LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: A general view is seen of the WBC title belt (Photo by Steve ... [+] Marcus/Getty Images)Getty ImagesKeith One-Time Thurman (30-1, 22 KOs; 1 No Contest) is making his return to the boxing ring after a three-year layoff. The comeback fight is set for March 12, per Ring Magazine, against Brock Jarvis (22-1, 20 KOs) in Sydney, Australia.Thurman, 36, is scheduled to meet the media on Wednesday to announce the fight as well as the co-main event, which is reported to feature middleweight Michael Zerafa.LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 20: Keith Thurman stands in the ring after losing a WBA welterweight title ... [+] fight to Manny Pacquiao at MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 20, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao won the fight by split decision. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThurmans last fight was in February 2022, when he scored a unanimous decision win over current WBA champion Mario Barrios. Thurman was scheduled to fight Tim Tszyu in March 2024, but he pulled out two weeks before the event.Tszyu defended his WBO 154-pound title against Sebastian Fundora instead, and Fundora pulled off the split-decision upset to become world champion. Because of Thurmans inactivity, hell need to shake off some rust, and it appears his team believes Jarvis is the right opponent for the occasion.While Jarvis has a sparkling record, he has not faced top competition. The only noteworthy name on his rsum as an opponent is former IBF 140-pound champion Liam Parowhom Jarvis lost to by first-round KO in October 2022.MORE FOR YOUBRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 15: Liam Paro celebrates winning his fight against Brock Jarvis after ... [+] their super lightweight title bout at Southbank Plaza on October 15, 2022 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/Getty Images)Getty ImagesJarvis has amazingly fought in six different weight classes over the course of his four-plus-year professional career. He won his most recent fight at middleweight over a journeyman named Adrian Rodriguez in December 2024.Despite his willingness to jump from division to division, Jarvis hasnt been especially active of late. Since the loss to Paro in 2022, Jarvis has only fought twice.In short, boxing fans shouldnt expect to see the version of Thurman that had many people placing him on their pound-for-pound list back in 2017. Jarvis is likely going to be undersized and a safe test for One-Time to help him determine how muchif anythinghe still has left in the tank.Here is a look at the upcoming major fight schedule into March 2025, per The Ring.Boxing Schedule 2025Friday, January 24, 2025The Ring, IBF, WBC and WBO Junior Featherweight Championship: (c) Naoya Inoue vs. Ye Joon KimLocation: Ariake Arena, Tokyo, JPTime: 2:00 AM (ET)Saturday, January 25, 2025European Title: Dalton Smith vs. Walid OuizzaLocation: Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham, GBTime: Noon (ET)Diego Pacheco vs. Steven NelsonErnesto Mercado vs. Jose PedrazaAndy Cruz vs. Omar Salcido GamezLocation: The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas, USTime: 7:00 PM (ET)Saturday, February 1, 2025Adam Azim vs. Sergey LipinetsLocation: OVO Wembley Arena, London, GBTime: 1:00 PM (ET)David Benavidez vs. David MorrellBrandon Figueroa vs. Stephen FultonAlejandro Ramos Jr. vs. Jeison RosarioIsaac Pitbull Cruz vs. Angel FierroLocation: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, USTime: 8:00 PM (ET)Sunday, February 2, 2025WBO World Heavyweight Championship: Claressa Shields vs. Danielle PerkinsLocation: Dort Federal Event Center, Flint, USTime: 8:00 PM (ET)Saturday, February 8, 2025Dereck Chisora vs. Otto WallinLocation: Co-Op Live Arena, Manchester, GBTime: 2:00 PM (ET)Friday, February 14, 2025WBO World Lightweight Championship: (c) Denys Berinchyk vs. Keyshawn DavisXander Zayas vs. Slawa SpomerVito Mielnicki vs. Connor CoyleJared Anderson vs. Marios KolliasAbdullah Mason vs. Manuel JaimesLocation: The Theater at MSG, New York City, USTime: 8:00 PM (ET)Saturday, February 15, 2025Jack Catterall vs. Arnold BarbozaLocation: Co-Op Live Arena, Manchester, GBTime: Noon (ET)Oscar Duarte vs. Regis PrograisHonda Center, Anaheim, California, USTime: 8 PM (ET)Saturday, February 22, 2025The Ring, WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF Light Heavyweight Championship: (c) Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry BivolIBF Heavyweight Championship: (c) Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph ParkerWBC Lightweight Championship (c) Shakur Stevenson vs. Floyd SchofieldWBC Middleweight Championship (c) Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah SheerazVergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Israil MadrimovJoshua Buatsi vs. Callum SmithZhilei Zhang vs. Agit KabayelLocation: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, SATime: Noon (ET)Monday, February 24, 2025WBC World Bantamweight Championship: (c) Junto Nakatani vs. David Cuellar ContrerasLocation: Ariake Arena, Tokyo, JPTime: 2:00 AM (ET)Saturday, March 1, 2025WBA World Lightweight Championship: (c) Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr.Location: Barclays Center, New York City, USTime: 8:00 PM (ET)Friday, March 7, 2025The Ring Welterweight Championship: (c) Natasha Jonas vs. Lauren PriceLocation: Royal Albert Hall, London, GBTime: 1:00 PM (ET)Saturday, March 15, 2025WBA World Featherweight Championship: (c) Nick Ball vs. TJ DohenyLocation: M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool, GBTime: 1:00 PM (ET)Sunday, March 16, 2025Callum Walsh vs. Dean SutherlandLocation: The Theater at MSG, New York City, USTime: 9:00 PM (ET)

Worker with logs in a wood recycling plant.gettyThe U.S Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $100,000 in small business innovation grants to encourage 24 companies to develop their ideas, such as repurposing waste, into green products.The $2.4 million in total grants were awarded Jan. 13 from EPAs Small Business Innovation Research program in a two-stage process to develop the first proof-of-concept phase to deploy their technology within six months. Upon successful completion of the initial stage, the companies can apply for up to $400,000 in Phase II grants to commercialize their technology."Congratulations to these small businesses for their dedication to driving innovation and tackling todays environmental challenges," said Maureen Gwinn, EPA acting Assistant administrator of the Office of Research and Development, stated in announcing the grants. "Their groundbreaking ideas not only address critical needs but also pave the way for a healthier planet and a stronger, more sustainable economy."The companies are located in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.The funding is meant to spur small business products to the marketplace for innovative environmental technologies in:Air quality and climate,Clean and safe water,Homeland security,Land revitalization,Risk assessment,Safer chemicals,Sustainable materials management/circular economy.The companies also have the ability to receive $100,000 as a commercialization incentive from the EPA in the second phase of the grant program if they obtain a third-party investment. The SBIR was created to help fund and commercialize innovative green technologies to protect the environment.MORE FOR YOUOne company awarded the seed funding was Pacific Reclaimed Lumber & Supply of Sebastopol, Calif. will design a web-based platform to increase purchases of reclaimed lumber and building materials.The U.S. reclaimed lumber industry is poised to become an $11 billion industry by 2030, but could strive for a more ambitious goal with increased sales efficiency. The construction industry currently disposes of over 27 million tons of wood waste annually, much of which could be salvaged through deconstruction. Reclaimed lumber offers significant environmental benefits, reducing climate emissions by up to double compared to disposal, and sequestering embodied carbon for 50-100 years when reused. However, for the reclaimed lumber industry to meaningfully reduce national waste, it must scale up operations and sales. A key step will be making reclaimed lumber inventories more accessible online, which is currently a challenge, stated the grant proposal.Relief-cast terracotta tiles in a salvage yard. Getty ImagesA Florida flooring and construction company called Nativo Inc. of Pompano Beach will use the grant to apply a new technology to remove installed ceramic tiles without damaging them through vibration technology. The innovative method would enable ceramic tiles to be reused or salvaged from floors.Boulder, Colo.-based PAGE Technologies Inc. intends to develop chemical sensors that can be deployed directly into the environment for real-time measurement for water monitoring.. The companys development of low-cost, handheld printable sensors for water quality monitoring will deliver an innovative, new tool for safeguarding water quality and public health, stated an EPA spokesperson in a statement about the grant.Fabric rolls inside a sustainable workshop.gettyIn Hull, Georgia, EcoaTEX LLC plans use the EPA grantCommercial potential for this technology is vast, particularly within the textile industry, where there is an increasing demand for sustainable materials. By converting agricultural waste into valuable fibers, EcoaTEX not only offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional fibers but also supports local economies by providing farmers with a sustainable outlet for their waste. This approach not only helps farmers economically but also prevents the environmental damage associated with traditional waste disposal methods, according to the grant proposal.

What seems meaningless in our daily lives might actually restore energy, clear our minds and bring ... [+] joyjust like the quirky no trousers tube ride in London.gettyWhen productivity and purpose dominate our thoughts, many of us wrestle with guilt when we find ourselves doing something that feels unproductive.Why do I feel so happy when I spend an hour organizing my desk or scrolling through videos of dogs wearing hats? we might ask. Shouldnt I be doing something more meaningful? The answer is simpleand often the same: there is a purpose in purposelessness.Take, for example, events like the No Trousers Tube Ride in London. Each year, hundreds of participants strip down to their underwear and ride the Underground, not for charity, spreading awareness or any particular cause, but simply for the fun of it.While this may seem utterly purposeless or even strange, the event is more than just a lighthearted prank. Its an invitation to embrace the absurdity of life and let go of the constant pressure to be serious or productive. For participants, its an opportunity to step outside of routine, connect with others in a playful way and experience the joy of living in the present moment.Its precisely when we allow ourselves to step away from the pressure of constant productivity that we begin to tap into the deep, restorative power of lifes simplest moments.Here are four reasons why seemingly meaningless activities are deeply beneficial to our well-being.1. They Relieve Decision FatigueIn the often fast-paced world we live in, our brains are constantly managing responsibilities, deadlines and an endless stream of decisions. This constant mental strain can lead to whats known as decision fatigue.MORE FOR YOUAccording to The Decision Lab, decision fatigue refers to the decline in our ability to make effective decisions as we are faced with an increasing number of choices, leading to mental exhaustion.Think about tasks like organizing your desk, folding laundry or rearranging a bookshelf. While they might seem insignificant, these activities offer something invaluable: simplicity. Simple, repetitive tasks provide a much-needed reprieve from the constant need to make decisions. They dont require complex choices, allowing us to step away from the overwhelming cognitive load of the day. These activities give our brains a chance to reset, creating space for mental recovery.By incorporating these meaningless tasks into our routine, we can return to more demanding work with a clearer mind, better focus and renewed energy.2. They Help You Reconnect With The Present MomentOur lives are often consumed by thoughts of the past or future. We may ruminate over past mistakes or become anxious about future challenges. In both cases, our mental energy is scattered and we lose touch with the present moment. This is where seemingly trivial activities can make a big difference.Simple actionslike basking in the warmth of the sun, listening to music or taking a walkcan anchor us in the here and now. Engaging fully in the present, even with simple, everyday tasks, offers profound emotional benefits.A 2015 study published in PNAS found that a 90-minute walk in nature can significantly reduce overthinking and lower activity in brain regions associated with self-focused withdrawal. This highlights how such activities create space for our thoughts to flow naturally, without the pressure to achieve specific outcomes. They allow for reflection, creativity and relaxationoffering a much-needed reprieve from the demands of modern life.So, the next time youre feeling overwhelmed or frazzled, try engaging in a simple activity to ground yourself. Pay attention to the textures, colors or patterns around you, and let your mind wander gently. Notice how it helps you reconnect with the present.3. They Rekindle Playfulness And CreativityDo you remember spending hours as a child building sandcastles or pretending to be a pirate? We were encouraged to play, imagine and get messy, without worrying about doing things the right way.Over time, however, that playful spirit often fades. As adults, we tend to feel the pressure to always have a purpose behind everything we do. But heres the truth: doing something just for fun or silliness is one of the best ways to reignite creativity.Activities like sketching, dancing around the living room or building something out of Legos (yes, even as an adult!) can unlock a creative side that you might not have accessed in years. It might sound counterintuitive, but some of our best ideas often emerge when were not focused on producing results.In fact, a 2014 study of 1,536 participants found that those who identified as playful also viewed themselves as more creative, with a strong positive correlation between self-reported playfulness, creativity and innovation.Play and creativity arent always about creating something; theyre about exploring and expanding your mind in new ways. You dont need to create a masterpiecesometimes, just allowing yourself to be spontaneous is enough to spark new ideas and bring a little lightness to your day.So, try to incorporate more play into your week. Do something fun and sillylike finger painting or completing a puzzle. Let go of the need for creativity to have a specific outcome. Sometimes, just playing is enough.4. They Offer An Emotional ReleaseDuring stressful or overwhelming times, processing feelings can feel like an insurmountable task. Often, we struggle to articulate our emotions, which can leave us feeling even more drained.However, even in the absence of overt emotional expression, simple activities can help facilitate emotional release. Tasks like cooking, gardening or engaging in repetitive actions such as knitting can offer a way to channel emotions productively and provide space for quiet reflection.For instance, a 2015 study published in Textile highlights that knitting is a versatile tool for enhancing well-being. It reduces stress, offers therapeutic benefits and fosters creativity and self-expression. Similarly, other simple tasks can have the same effect, helping us process emotions without the pressure of problem-solving or intense conversation.These activities create space for emotions to move through us, offering emotional relief and allowing us to regain balance. Engaging in physical tasks can also release pent-up frustration, sadness or joy in a non-verbal way, helping us connect more directly with our feelings. So, the next time you feel emotionally tense, grab something physical to do with your handswhether its ripping up old magazines for a scrapbook or kneading dough.In a world that glorifies productivity, embracing meaningless time is a radical act of self-care. Whether playful, meditative or purely absurd, these moments remind us that life isnt about achievingits about experiencing the full spectrum of what it means to be human.Are you forgetting to slow down and enjoy the present moment? Take the science-backed Mindful Attention Awareness Scale to find out.

An artist's reconstruction of the newly named dinosaur whose remains were destroyed in a 1944 WWII ... [+] air raid.Joshua Knppe, in 2025 Kellermann et al.Paleontologists have identified a new species of dinosaur from a fossil destroyed during a World World II air raid not by examining ancient remains, but by poring over photos of them.The dinosaur, which the scientists named Tameryraptor markgrafi, is a giant Egyptian predator from the Cretaceous period. It measured around 32 feet long when it roamed, had symmetrical teeth and a prominent nasal horn.Presumably, the dinosaur fauna of North Africa was much more diverse than we previously thought, Oliver Rauhut, a dinosaur specialist from the Bavarian State Collection for Paleontology and Geology, said in a statement. This work shows that it can be worthwhile for paleontologists to dig not only in the ground, but also in old archives.Rauhut is co-author of a peer-reviewed study on the find published last week in the journal Plos One. The fossil that led to the discovery has a dramatic backstory.The beasts remains were originally excavated in 1914 during an expedition to Bahariya Oasis, a site in Egypts western desert known for yielding other dinosaur bones, as well as ancient mummies and architectural treasures. Shortly thereafter, Munich paleontologist Ernst Stromer von Reichenbach studied the partial skeleton and assigned it to the genus Carcharodontosaurus, a large, carnivorous theropod that lived in Northwest Africa between 100 and 94 million years ago.The remains were stored with other Egyptian dinosaur fossils at the Bavarian State Collection for Paleontology and Geology, which at that time was located in a building in central Munich. On July 21, 1944, however, an allied air raid hit the paleontological museum, destroying many of the fossils within, including Tameryraptor. Skeletal remains of Tameryraptor markgrafi in a Munich exhibition before a bomb destroyed the bones.University of Tbingen Archive, recoloredDuring new research all these decades later, Maximilian Kellermann, a master's student at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, came across previously unknown archival photos of the dinosaur from the Huene Archive at Germanys University of Tbingen, which displayed them in the 1940s. The images capture parts of the original skull, spine and hind limbs before the skeleton was obliterated in the World War II bombing.Kellermann evaluated the photos with Rauhut and Elena Cuesta, an LMU paleobiologist, focusing on features such as the nasal cavities, jaw and tooth curvature.In some parts of the images, low exposure and fuzzy details made it difficult to discern certain features. But other elements, such as the angles of bones, were clear enough that the photos together with Stromers old notes and illustrations made it clear to the researchers the dinosaur pictured differs significantly from another Carcharodontosaurus found in Morocco in 1996 and officially named in 2007.Through these comparisons, they concluded that Stromers original classification was incorrect and that theyd identified a completely different, previously unknown predatory dinosaur species.We took great care to not overinterpret things that were not 100 percent visible from the photos, Kellermann said in an interview. We left out any uncertainties for the codings in our dataset, treating them simply as missing data, and indicated them in our description as such. Still, even with these uncertainties, it was clear that this was a different animal from Carcharodontosaurus.The first word in Tameryraptor markgrafi means thief from the beloved land, combining an informal ancient Egyptian name for Egypt (ta-mery), which translates to beloved land, with raptor, the Latin word for thief. Markgrafi honors fossil collector Richard Markgraf, who originally excavated it.The rediscovery of interesting anatomical features from photographs of long-lost specimens is rare and a bit unusual, but in some cases there are no better options for putting those specimens into scientific context, Jack Tseng, a professor of integrative biology at the University of California at Berkeley who was not involved with the research, said in an interview.Can A Species Reliably Be Named From Photos?Paleontologists rarely name new species without directly studying fossils.In exceptional cases where the specimen in question is documented with an abundance of images and associated information, there may be a strong basis for erecting a new fossil species, Tseng said. In all other cases, there will always be a certain layer of uncertainty between the defining characteristics of new species identified from photographs and how trustworthy they might be when used in evolutionary analyses.In the new study, the researchers put their case in the exceptional category, detailing the reasons this dinosaur warranted a new nomenclature based on the available evidence. Chief among them is that Stromers descriptions and illustrations are highly accurate when compared with specimens that can still be studied firsthand, suggesting his data is a reliable complement to the photographs.The material described by Stromer has played a pivotal role in understanding carcharodontosaurid anatomy, phylogeny and evolution, they say, making it all the more important the samples collected in 1914 are accurately categorized.Kellermann said hes excited that Egyptian colleagues are now working on collecting new fossils that could add to the scientific record and understanding of dinosaurs in the region.There is clearly a lot that we still don't know about the dinosaurs in that area, Kellermann said. While there is still a bit of information to gather from studying the old literature and photographs, only new material will help shed a better light on this fascinating ecosystem.Paleontologist Ernst Stromer von Reichenbach's original drawings of the Egyptian dinosaur's remains. ... [+] BSPG

Companies need security solutions that protect against AI cybersecurity threatsOver the past several years, the security landscape rapidly evolved with the introduction of AI, specifically generative AI. AI spawned numerous new categories of AI cyber threats, such as data inference, transfer learning attacks and model inversion. Additional, AI-enhanced phishing attacks are driving increased breaches and data loss. Today, companies need specialized security solutions that protect AI systems and their components from various security threats (e.g., adversarial attacks) and vulnerabilities (e.g., data poisoning). These security products must protect the data, algorithms, models, and infrastructure involved in AI applications.Securing AI Emerges As A Key Tech Initiative in 2025gettyWhat Cisco AnnouncedLast week, Cisco unveiled its latest security innovation called Cisco AI Defense. The solution offers a new approach to targeting AI safety and security challenges. Let's break down Cisco's announcement, the AI-specific features of its latest offering, and the benefits it provides to security operations teams.Today, every security vendor worth evaluating offers new AI-enhanced products with features such as conversational AI assistants and streamlining alerts to help highlight relevant security threats. The Cisco AI Defense platform builds on Cisco's existing Secure Access technology and incorporates new features designed specifically for the AI ecosystem. Specifically, AI Defense aims to address two core AI problems: 1) securing enterprise access to AI applications and 2) ensuring the safety and security of AI models and applications built by organizations.What are the AI-Specific Features of Cisco AI DefenseCisco's security solutions leverage threat intelligence from over 50 billion daily events and integrates data from tools like Splunk and other third-party feeds. The data from these events helps detect AI-specific vulnerabilities and threats. However, the company also added more AI-specific features such as:Algorithmic Red Teaming: In cybersecurity, "red teaming" refers to a process where ethical hackers, acting as potential adversaries, simulate real-world cyberattacks against an organization to identify vulnerabilities in their security systems. Cisco AI Defense offers algorithmic red teaming to automate stress-testing AI models. Unlike traditional red teaming, which relies on human experts, this approach uses AI to simulate billions of potential attack scenarios, uncovering vulnerabilities such as prompt injection attacks, information leaks, or unexpected model behaviors. The combination of algorithmic red teaming and real-time threat intelligence enables SecOps teams to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Algorithmic red teaming also supports guardrails in AI Defense for security teams to use.Guardrail Automation. AI guardrails are rules, tools, and policies that ensure AI systems operate within ethical, legal, and technical boundaries. Guardrails help prevent AI from being misused, making biased decisions, or causing harm. Cisco AI Defense offers over 200 pre-configured guardrails tailored to specific models and applications. These guardrails align with industry standards like OWASP and NIST, covering security and safety measures and ensuring seamless integration into enterprise workflows. By automatically applying guardrails tailored to specific threats or vulnerabilities, the platform allows for swift containment of potential issues without disrupting workflows or developer productivity.Continuous Validation. Model tuning can lead to toxic and unexpected outcomes. Automated testing can check AI models for hundreds of potential safety and security issues. Cisco AI Defense continuously validates the AI model to adapt to new threats and changes in the model's configuration. Continuous validation helps safeguard against potential safety and security threats such as prompt injection, denial of service, and sensitive data leakage on an ongoing basis. This feature ensures that AI applications remain secure even as they evolve through updates or fine-tuning.MORE FOR YOUWhy does Cisco AI Defense matter?The threat of sensitive corporate data leakage into open foundation models is both real and pervasive. Meanwhile, advanced data theft attacks and proprietary corporate information data poisoning are examples of burgeoning AI security threats. Cisco's AI Defense offers security teams visibility, access control and threat protection.As companies develop new AI applications, developers need a set of AI security and safety guardrails that work for every application. Cisco AI Defense helps developers protect AI systems from attacks and safeguards model behavior across platforms. Security teams must understand who is building applications and the training sources for these new applications. Cisco AI Defense provides security teams with visibility into all third-party AI applications used within an organization, including tools for conversational chat, code assistance, and image editing.During an industry analyst meeting, Ciscos Vice President, AI Software and Platform for the Security Business Group, DJ Sampath, said, You have to provide visibility into where these applications are, what models they are using, and what type of data they are using.. and the data store used for training. Its important to be able to provide the right runtime enforcement across public and private clouds. The key thing that we're doing with the AI defense solution for applications is we're making sure that you have a single place to get this entire visibility.Cisco AI Defense canunsanctioned AI tools. It allows organizations to enforce policies on how AI applications are accessed and used, ensuring compliance with internal and external regulations. It also continuously safeguards against threats and confidential data loss while ensuring compliance.A security product must be able to easily integrate with developer workflows if the solution is to be successful at addressing app-related security issues. Cisco addressed this potential issue by allowing developers to trigger AI model validation processes through APIs, integrating directly into CI/CD pipelines. Automated security checks during development improve security posture without hindering development timelines.A Step Forward in AI SecurityCisco AI Defense delivers tangible benefits to stressed security operations (SecOps) teams by offering enhanced visibility, streamlined security management, and proactive threat mitigation. For example, the platform provides detailed insights into AI application usage across the enterprise to improve visibility into AI-powered apps and workflows. Security teams can detect and analyze potential vulnerabilities in real-time by monitoring network traffic and API interactions. With centralized policy enforcement via Cisco's Security Cloud Control, SecOps teams can manage security across multiple AI applications and enforcement points from a single interface to reduce complexity and operational overhead.Cisco AI Defense also streamlines deployment because it seamlessly integrates with the Cisco Secure Access platform, leveraging existing enforcement points and simplifying deployment for enterprises already using Cisco's security solutions. With the average company using over 76 security products, security teams need simplicity. Cisco AI Defense aligns with established industry standards, making it easier for organizations to meet regulatory requirements and demonstrate compliance during audits.Cisco's latest announcement of AI Defense showcases how the intersection of AI and cybersecurity requires an evolution of a company's security strategy. By addressing the unique risks posed by AI applications and providing tools tailored to the needs of SecOps teams, Cisco has positioned itself as a contender in the new AI security realm.

PARIS, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 13: In this photo iIllustration, the Netflix logo is seen on the screen of ... [+] an iPhone in front of a computer screen showing a Netflix logo on February 13, 2019 in Paris, France. Netflix, the US giant of online video subscription, has more than 5 million subscribers in France, 4 and a half years after its arrival in France in September 2014, a spokesman for the company revealed on Wednesday. Netflix offers movies and TV series over the internet and now has 137 million subscribers worldwide. (Photo by Chesnot/Getty Images)Getty ImagesYour Netflix subscription is about to get even more expensive. News of the price hike follows the streaming giants Q4 2024 financial earnings report. The company revealed its largest-ever quarterly increase in subscribers, with 18.9 million new subscribers boosting Netflixs global subscription base to over 300 million.Naturally, with such a huge subscriber gain the next order of business is charging everyone more. Heres how the new rates will impact your monthly bill:Standard Plan without ads: This tier increases from $15.49 to $17.99 (a $2.50/mo price hike).Ad-Supported: The cheapest tier will now be $7.99 per month up from $6.99 (a $1/mo price hike).Premium: This tier will cost $24.99 per month, up from $22.99 month (a $2/mo price hike).The cost of adding an Extra Member to a primary account is going up from $7.99 to $8.99 per month (a $1/mo price hike).As we continue to invest in programming and deliver more value for our members, we will occasionally ask our members to pay a little more so that we can re-invest to further improve Netflix, the company told investors. To that end, we are adjusting prices today across most plans in the U.S., Canada, Portugal and Argentina (which was already factored into the 2025 guidance we provided in October 2024).The last time Netflix increased prices was in October 2023 when the Basic plan went from $9.99 to $11.99 and the Premium tier saw a $3 bump from $19.99 to $22.99. The Premium tier is now $5/month more than the subscription cost just over two years ago. The streamer also cracked down on password sharing, a de facto price increase for many subscribers.Streaming services across the board have seen price increases in the past couple years, including video game subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus. Despite most of these price hikes only amount to a dollar or two a month, but it all adds up, especially if you subscribe to a lot of these (like I do).The price increase will go into effect on your next Netflix billing cycle.

ToplinePresident Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday temporarily pausing the federal ban on TikTok, after access to the app was restored before he even took office, but while companies like Oracle have willingly put the app back online, Apple and Googles app stores still havent restored TikTok and other ByteDance-owned apps yetand they could open themselves to legal liability if they do.TikTok is seen in the Apple app store on a phone on March 13, 2024 in New York City. Getty ImagesKey FactsTikTok restored access to U.S. users Sunday afternoon following a brief outage, after a federal law took effect that bans companies from hosting TikTok and other ByteDance-owned apps unless ByteDance divests from the apps, which the Chinese-owned company so far hasnt.The company said it restored access as a result of President Trumps effortseven though he hadnt taken office yetand Trump then signed an executive order Monday that directs his Justice Department not to enforce the law for 75 days, in order to give his administration an opportunity to determine the appropriate course forward in an orderly way that protects national security while avoiding an abrupt shutdown.Companies that handle TikToks U.S. user data, including Oracle and Akamai, restored access to the app in order to put it back online, according to NPR, but the app still has not yet been restored to Apple and Googles app stores, meaning U.S. users cannot download or update TikTok.Neither Apple nor Google have responded to requests for comment on whether they plan to restore access to TikTok or other ByteDance-owned apps, though Apple has published a webpage informing U.S. users the company is obligated to follow the law banning TikTok and other ByteDance-owned apps, and thus users cannot download or update them.The companies refusal thus far to make TikTok available again is in line with predictions from legal experts before the law took effect, as they suggested any assurances from Trump that he wouldnt enforce the policy likely wouldnt be enough to get companies like Apple and Google to comply, given they could still face legal liability if Trump were to reverse course and start enforcing the ban.University of Minnesota law professor Alan Rozenshtein wrote for Lawfare Tuesday that Trumps assurances not to enforce the law offers minimal security for companies who violate it by restoring access to TikTok, noting Trump could change his mind at any time or selectively enforce against companies that fall from political favor and the laws five-year statute of limitations means future presidential administrations can still pursue violations of the law.Can I Update The Tiktok App If Its Not On The App Store?Its still unclear if or when Apple and Google could put TikTok back on their app stores. If a circumstance arises in which Trump keeps the law on pause indefinitely and TikTok stays online but cant be updated or downloaded, users will likely eventually stop being able to use TikTok, as the app will get increasingly obsolete without the ability to update it.Which Bytedance Apps Are No Longer On The App Store?According to Apple, the list of apps owned by ByteDance or its subsidiaries that the company has taken off its App Store include TikTok, TikTok Studio, TikTok Shop Seller Center, CapCut, Lemon8, Hypic, Lark - Team Collaboration, Lark - Rooms Display, Lark Rooms Controller, Gauth: AI Study Companion and MARVEL SNAP.Why Cant Apple And Google Put Tiktok Back Online?Rozenshtein noted for Lawfare theres a murky history of defendants avoiding legal consequences because of orders declaring something is legalas courts have ruled both for and against those defendantsbut concluded companies face risks for putting TikTok back online. While there are some instances where courts have been more lenient, major companies like Apple and Google would face greater scrutiny for going against the federal law and just relying on Trumps statements, Rozenshtein argued. Courts are hesitant to be too lenient when it comes to executive orders like this, Rozenshtein noted, given that doing so could set a precedent suggesting presidents can just overturn laws as much as they want by issuing orders saying they wont be enforced.Will Oracle And Akamai Face Penalties For Restoring Tiktok?While Trump and his Justice Department arent going to punish companies who restored access to TikTok any time soon, Rozenshtein suggested those companies could still face legal liability should Trump change his mind or during the next presidential administration. Companies could particularly be targeted for the decision to put TikTok back online even before Trump took office, as Rozenshtein noted the companies have minimal defensive options for restoring service then. Trump was still a private citizen at the time, so his statements promising to keep the app legal didnt carry any legal weight, Rozenshtein noted. Oracle and Akamai have not yet responded to requests for comment about their decisions to restore service.Big Number$850 billion. Thats how much companies that have restored access to TikTok could potentially face in fines should the government decide to enforce the TikTok ban and punish them for enabling access to the app. The law allows a $5,000 fine per user and TikTok says its app is used by more than 170 million U.S. users, though likely not all of them have accessed the app since the law took effect. Apple and Google would likely face smaller fines if they reinstated TikTok and were punished for it, as those fines would only be calculated based on the number of people who downloaded or updated the app, versus who actually used the app.Will Trump Get Bytedance To Sell Tiktok?ByteDance has so far not given any public indication that its willing to sell TikToks U.S. assets, with TikTok previously arguing that doing so would not be logistically feasible. It remains to be seen if that public position will change now that the law has formally taken effect, and Trump has threatened to levy additional tariffs on imports from China if the countrys government refuses to approve a sale of TikToks U.S. assets. China blocking the deal would be a certain hostility and well put tariffs of 25, 30, 50%, even 100%, Trump told reporters Monday, also arguing the U.S. should own a 50% stake in TikToks U.S. operations. Experts cited by The Washington Post before Trumps inauguration suggested China would only be likely to cut a deal with Trump on TikTok as part of broader political negotiations between the two governments, though the countrys government did not rule out the possibility of a sale Monday. For such actions as corporate operations and acquisitions, we always believe that they should be decided independently by companies based on market principles, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in a statement.Key BackgroundThe federal law outlawing TikTok took effect Sunday following a last-minute court battle as TikTok challenged the ban, which led to the Supreme Court upholding the federal law in a unanimous ruling. While TikTok has argued the law violates its First Amendment rights, Congress passed the law with bipartisan support last year, arguing taking action against the app was necessary due to the national security threat posed by ByteDances Chinese ownership. TikTok has long denied any links to the Chinese government or wrongdoing, though Forbes has reported on numerous concerns involving the app, including TikTok spying on journalists, promoting Chinese propaganda that criticized U.S. politicians, mishandling user data and tracking sensitive words. Trump signaled he planned to take action against the TikTok ban shortly before taking office, though it was still unclear what steps he would take until Sunday, when Trump said he planned to issue an executive order pausing the ban. The president has justified his support for TikTok in part because of his own popularity on the app, though his move to keep the app online marks an about-face from his first term, when he issued an executive order banning TikTok that was later overturned in court.Further Reading

Another delay could be hitting S24 ownersFuture Publishing via Getty ImagesOwners of Samsung flagships should be rightly excited about the imminent(ish) arrival of Android 15 on their phones, bringing a raft of security and privacy enhancements. But theres some last minute disappointment that looks like being confirmed this week. And for those who have dropped $1500 on an S24 Ultra in the last few months, this will not play well.Samsung has just confirmed that One UI 7 for the Galaxy S series will be released in the first quarter, and will be applied sequentially to existing Galaxy devices. All except the new S25 of course, which will launch with One UI 7 AKA Android 15 right out of the box. Perhaps this ensures a period of OS exclusivity to encourage more users to churn.Picking up on the latest leaks, Android Headlines suggests owners of Samsungs previous-gen flagship phones might receive it between late February and early March, while SammyFans suggests that a second January OS update for S24s signals that Samsung is still polishing the major firmware, which isnt ready yet for deployment on a public scale. Leaker Tarun Vats, posting on X, has foretold this kind of wait for some time, that current pre-S25 devices are likely to be updated at the end of February or some time in March. Galaxy S24 owners have hoped to see an update much sooner after this weeks S25 launch. That it seems is not to be. It could mean an update some four months after Googles Pixel.MORE FOR YOUPutting tantalizing software updates to one side, this matters because Android 15 is a security and privacy upgrade more than anything else, and does a good job of narrowing the gap to iPhone when it comes to safeguarding users, their devices and their data. And while Google has done a sterling job with this latest OS, Samsung has gone even further, blocking the sideloading of risky apps for all but the most stubborn users and gong some way toward an iPhone-like phone lockdown.Googles advances include live threat detection to flag malware early if it detects risky on-device app behavior, the expansion of Play Protect to stop users from being tricked into installing unofficial versions of their apps, and network defense to block insecure connections. Samsung will also allow 2G to be blocked across its devices for the first time.It is unclear whats included with this second January Galaxy S24 update. Samsung released its own fixes and the Android-wide ones from Google early in the month. Even so, it is as always imperative for users to update as soon as they can. Thats the other difference between S25 and S24 (and older) devices. The new phone is likely to bring seamless updates to a Samsung flagship for the first time. It seems other devices will miss out.Samsungs deployment of Android 15 is the nearest we've had yet to an iPhone-matching Android device, albeit theres still a gap in some key areas. If security and privacy is important, then the device itself and Samsungs expanded Knox architecture which better mirrors Apples walled device garden makes for a compelling upgrade.We should hopefully know more on when these security and privacy upgrades will reach current devices over the coming days. Samsung as ever hasnt confirmed any of this newly leaked information.

TikToks welcome message greeted users as they returned to the platformGetty ImagesCreators are reeling from the whiplash of events, many questioning if they were authentic or charade.On Saturday evening, around 7:40 p.m. PST / 10:40 p.m. EST, the app abruptly locked users out and displayed an on-screen message that read, "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now." The message included details about the app working with President Donald Trump on a solution.The message: "We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned."While most users anticipated a ban due to mounting regulatory pressures, the abrupt (and earlier than expected) shutdown seemed suspicious.Alix Earle, a popular social media personality and one of TikTok's fastest-growing creators, took to Instagram to share a screen recording of her last moments on the app before it shut down. She also shared a post to her page with the caption, "So, I guess we're hanging out here now?" capturing the sense of disarray many creators were feeling.MORE FOR YOUTikToks Return: A Changed Platform?By Sunday, many TikTok users woke up to find the app restored, but something was different. Creators noticed immediate changesnotably in the For You page, which seemed less tailored to their interests.Bethenny Frankel, TV personality and influencer, took to TikTok Monday evening to express her skepticism about changes to the algorithm. She noted, "Wait, I'm not getting any news. No Dior bags. No fires. No news. That's what everybody's freaking out about."Users shared similar experiences in the comments, noting they had to manually search for content and watch multiple videos before their familiar recommendations returned.Spencer Pratt, a reality TV star and social media personality, experienced a surge in popularity after posting about the aftermath of the Palisades fire, which destroyed his Los Angeles home. Pratt gained over a million followers in just one week, symbolizing resilience on the platform.However, after the TikTok restart, his content was nowhere to be found; users flooded his comments 14 hours after the app's return with comments like, "I had to come find you. You're not on my FYP anymore."A Coincidence Or A Strategy? The Timing of Meta's AnnouncementAn LA-based creator, Mia Parziale, expressed a similar unease on TikTok. While relieved the app was back, she explained: "Something doesn't feel right," mentioning that she plans to focus more on other platforms.Parziale also highlighted ongoing issues, such as blocked TikTok Lives, CapCut being offline, and specific videos and comments failing to appear.Further fueling concerns, Meta announced the upcoming "Edits" launch, a new video creation and editing app designed to rival TikTok's CapCut.CapCut, a popular video editing app among creators, is in the crosshairs, fueling rumors and speculation within the creator community on Meta's intentions.The announcement's timingon the same day TikTok's ban went into effectraised further suspicions about the platform's stability and future, particularly as creators look for trustworthy alternatives.Final ThoughtsThe chaos of the weekend's social media events left creators grappling with uncertainty. While TikTok's return was a welcomed relief, the alleged algorithm shift, ongoing disruptions, and rising competition from Meta's new video editing app leave creators uneasy about the platform's future.As the platform faces increasing regulatory challenges, creators wonder: Is TikTok's reign as the go-to social media app in jeopardy, or is this just a temporary setback?

Updated Jan. 21 with more details about the hearing health capability and how to set up the new feature when it comes. Apples AirPods Pro 2 gained updated software last fall and now the U.K. will benefit from the cool hearing aid features in a matter of weeks. More details have now emerged about the feature and a neat extra that helps it work, though its also apparent that not every new hearing feature is coming to AirPods Pro 2 everywhere.Apple AirPods Pro 2. 2022 Bloomberg Finance LPAs detailed below, a feature called Hearing Protection is not coming to U.K. users yet, and to set up the hearing aid capability, Users will likely need to run the hearing aid test again, which will open the Hearing Assistance menu. Apple will suggest using the AirPods Pro as a hearing aid only if you have mild-to-moderate hearing loss when listening to spoken-word frequencies, as Macworld points out.Why the hearing health features are restricted to the AirPods Pro 2 and not the new AirPods Pro which come in versions with or without Active Noise Cancelling has been confirmed by Matt Bolton at Tech Radar.Apple says that this is because those models lack an in-ear seal to improve noise isolation, which is necessary for its technology to be effective. The mode will not come to previous models of AirPods either though I would expect it to be part of the feature list of the AirPods Pro 3, which is rumored to arrive later in 2025, Bolton explains.MORE FOR YOUAirPods Pro 2 already unveiled the Hearing Test feature, so users can take a validated home hearing test to see if they would benefit from hearing aid assistance.But while these features are already live in the U.S., for instance, some countries, including the U.K., didnt have regulations in place to permit the earbuds to go on to be used as hearing aids.The British Health Secretary, Wes Streeting said, Britain can be a powerhouse for medical technology, but only if we rip out pointless regulation that suffocates innovation, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph.The report also quoted a statement from Apple. With the new policy guidance from the U.K. Department of Health and Social Care, we look forward to bringing the hearing aid feature on AirPods Pro 2 in the coming weeks to help improve the daily lives of so many U.K. users, Apple said.In other words, Apple will release an updated version of software for the U.K., likely in iOS 18 but possibly with new firmware for the AirPods Pro in cahoots.Then, AirPods Pro 2 can be used as a hearing aid to help those with mild to moderate hearing loss.Oh, and about that neat extra: if you hear a chime from the AirPods Pro 2 case while its charging, it turns out that its a feature designed to ensure the microphones and speakers are working properly, for example to help provide high-quality hearing test results, Apple says in a support guide.Of course, the battery life cant match regular hearing aids and so will need to be taken out to be recharged periodically. And it could look like youre listening to music or making a call when youre wearing them.But for some people it could overcome the social stigma of having a visible hearing aid while allowing them to hear better.As for timing, Apples comment of the coming weeks suggests January or February to me. For some, this could be a real boon.And then theres Hearing Protection, which Apple describes in a support document as a way to use your AirPods to help protect your hearing in loud environments. If youre in a loud environment like a live sporting event or fitness class, you can use your AirPods to help reduce your exposure to loud sounds around you.This feature, which relies partly on a snug fit in the ear for the AirPods Pro 2, is turned on by default, and works across Transparency, Adaptive and Noise Cancellation modes. Apple also says that its effective when your AirPods are clean. Which I should hope they would be.For now, this feature is very restricted to the U.S. and its minor outlying islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, Puerto Rico and Guam.

A Yo-Go electric rental buggy is seen parked by the roadside on January 20, 2025 in Fulham, England. ... [+] Ten Neighbourhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) made by Yo-Go, are on trial in Fulham, West London. Costing 20p per minute to hire and with a top speed of 20mph, the CEO and inventor Sam Bailey sees them as a pollution-free way of travelling. The trial will soon extend to 50 vehicles which the council say can be parked anywhere, free of charge. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)Getty ImagesHas Fulham suddenly turned into a golf course? No, those electric carts are Yo-Gos.Ten of the bright yellow golf-cart style buggies are being trialled until October as part of a micro mobility sharing scheme across a small part of Fulham in London.Call them golf carts, or electric buggies, but Yo-Go calls them Neighbourhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs). They're specifically designed for local journeys, with a maximum speed of 20mph. Because they're lighter than a standard vehicle, they are safer for pedestrians, the company claims.A Yo-Go electric rental buggy is seen parked by the roadside on January 20, 2025 in Fulham, England. ... [+] Ten Neighbourhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) made by Yo-Go, are on trial in Fulham, West London. Costing 20p per minute to hire and with a top speed of 20mph, the CEO and inventor Sam Bailey sees them as a pollution-free way of travelling. The trial will soon extend to 50 vehicles which the council say can be parked anywhere, free of charge. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThey will cost 20p a minute to rent, but that falls to 10p a minute for members with a 10 a month subscription. Anyone hoping to use a Yo-Go will need to be 25-70 years in age and have held a UK or EU driver's licence for at least two years.Yo-Go versus carsWhile the buggies will operate on a similar sharing model to bike schemes such as those operated by Transport for London and Lime, the company doesn't want to dislodge active travel but prevent trips by cars, which are often relatively short.MORE FOR YOU"What were hoping is that theyll be more of a replacement for cars," Yo-Go's CEO, Dr Sam Bailey, told Southwark News. "What we want to do is create something that feels more familiar, feels like driving something where youve got a seat-belt, youve got a roll cage, youve got a roof, somewhere you can put some luggage so that its sort of an easier swap, if youre a car user, to move to something like this," he added.Driving a Yo-GoSo far, 250 local residents have registered to use the ten buggies, with plans to add another 40 to the fleet. There's so far only one place to pick up the buggies, at Woodlawn Road, and they must be returned to the same spot after the trip.In this photo illustration, a phone displays the Yo-Go app as it rests on the steering wheel of a ... [+] Yo-Go electric rental buggy on January 20, 2025 in Fulham, England. Ten Neighbourhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) made by Yo-Go, are on trial in Fulham, West London. Costing 20p per minute to hire and with a top speed of 20mph, the CEO and inventor Sam Bailey sees them as a pollution-free way of travelling. The trial will soon extend to 50 vehicles which the council say can be parked anywhere, free of charge. (Photo illustration by Leon Neal/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThat said, the company says the buggies have a 30-40 mile range on a full charge, and some of the NEVs have solar panels in the hopes of extending range by an extra 10 miles, but how effective that is, especially in winter, remains to be seen.They can be taken anywhere on local roads but not on motorways and not yet within the London Congestion Charging zone, though access to central London is in the works. They can be parked and left if running errands, with free parking in any council parking spot.Council plansHammersmith and Fulham, the local council where the trial is happening, has previously slapped down bike sharing companies for cluttering up streets, but Lime and Human Forest both operate there now. The district has also previously had an electric car sharing scheme called Bluecity, but it shut down in 2020 after three years in operation."These innovative electric buggies are another first for Hammersmith and Fulham as they offer residents and businesses an affordable, eco-friendly alternative," a spokesperson for the council said.Golf cart citiesWhile Yo-Go said the pilot was a world first, there are plenty of locations around the world that either allow golf carts on public roads notably golf-course-filled retiree communities in sunny US states, as well as tourist destinations, such as Costa Rica, Belize and Catalina Island in California.Golf cart vehicles in narrow street, Isla Mujeres, Caribbean Coast, Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. ... [+] (Photo by: Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesBut there's also Peachtree City in Georgia, which has long used golf carts for mobility on public streets, and they're used in some parts of China on public roads.Weirdly, it makes sense for crowded urban areas where short trips are common. Golf cars are slower and lighter, meaning they're less of a threat to pedestrians. When they're electric, they have no pollution at the point of use. And they're smaller, taking up less room on the road and for parking. Plus, the average driving speed in London is about 9mph more powerful vehicles are largely wasted.As Yo-Go noted on its website: "The stats speak for themselves. Transport is the largest source of UK greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 26% of total emissions. Road traffic is the biggest source of air pollution, and across London an estimated 1,000 people die each year due to poor air quality.""But we can change this," it added. "If every car in Hammersmith & Fulham drove just 5 miles less per week it would remove more than 10 million miles of traffic from the Borough's roads each year."As Bailey notes, Yo-Go shouldn't be a replacement for bikes but if every car in London was an electric cart, the city would be a very different place indeed.

Gmail making the case for you to switchNurPhoto via Getty ImagesRepublished on January 21 with new security advice for those running Microsofts email platforms, including confirmation on end-of-support dates this year.You have been warned. The 2025 threat landscape is set for an AI revolution, and whatever defenses you have in place will almost certainly not be good enough. Nowhere is this more true than with our email platforms at home and especially at work. Email is the most common cyberattack vector for businesses, a new cyber insurance report has just reinforced, serving as the most prevalent initial entry point to launch financial fraud, ransomware, and data breach attacks.Despite all the cyber noise, sometimes a stat or datapoint still has the potential to stand out. And so it is with the latest report from At-Bay, lauding the benefits of email thats more secure by default. Maybe theres some hope after all.At home there are checks you can do that will help you review your settings and make recommendations Googles account security check-up, for example. But at work its more complex, given that many of these settings will fall to your IT department to control. But that flexibility comes at a price. At-Bay strongly recommends transitioning to a cloud-based email solution to mitigate security risks and ensure proactive vulnerability management.Nothing new here but that transition to cloud brings the potential for increasingly game-changing defenses to be built around email and for a rethink as to how these platforms operate. Were not there yet, but this is a step.MORE FOR YOUGmail scores well in the new report its security upgrades in recent years are paying off in the real world data collected from actual cyber insurance claims. Organizations that used Google Workspace, At-Bay says, experienced the lowest frequency of incidents on average. Compared to the overall average, Googles claims frequency was 54% lower. The insurer highlights features included by default that may not be the default setting in other email solutions. These include real-time scanning for phishing emails and malicious attachments, automatic security updates to protect against vulnerabilities, and integrated threat intelligence to proactively identify and respond to potential threats.Gmail might be the largest email provider on our planet with its claimed 2.5 billion users, but Workspace does not dominate at work the way Gmail might at home. The point being that theres no need to play with settings to secure the platform, its a comprehensive and robust security framework out of the box, without requiring additional attention to set up or configure. Harder to run a comp in the wider world, but this enterprise data does provide some evidence this approach is working, and that the defaults are getting better.The question is how this will evolve to cope with new AI threats heading fast in our direction. As Ive commented before, email is a second-rate technology that has not evolved at the same pace as almost everything else. We still see too many blatant threats skip through any and all defenses into our inboxes. Its still to easy for anyone to ping anyone, and new AI innovations make that all the more dangerous by making those threats more realistic.We are now seeing two parallel developments. A hybrid mix of on-device and cloud screening for threats that target our phones in particular, but new AI desktops and laptops can extend this; and new safe browsing innovations that dont only rely on centrally collated lists. Its time for an email rethink that evolves email into a more messenger-like platform, and screens emails for threats to a level that doesnt happen today. This is what Elon Musk has in mind with X-Mail.Realistically, Google and Gmail are best placed to do this first across a huge user base. But in the meantime, these stats are a great ad for fully managed, cloud-based email at home and at work. Whether Gmail or one of the alternatives, if this isnt what youre running today then the numbers would suggest it might be time to switch.On that note, the report from At-Bay will be interesting to those administering SMB or enterprise email, where traditional choices may now give way to managed alternatives for the first time. Now, as reported by Bleeping Computer, Microsoft has reminded admins that Exchange 2016 and Exchange 2019 will reach the end of extended support in October and shared guidance for those who need to decommission outdated servers.For those on extended support, this could well be an opportunity to explore alternatives whether from Microsoft or others to the traditional approaching of rolling forwards the same or next-gen option. Microsoft confirms that customer installations of Exchange 2016 and Exchange 2019 will of course continue to run after October 14, 2025; however, due to the upcoming end of support date and potential future security risks, we strongly recommend customers act now. The company suggests migrating to Exchange Online or Microsoft 365.Migrating to the cloud is the best and simplest option to help you retire your Exchange Server deployment, the company says, which is aligned with the cyber advice from At-Bay. When you migrate to the Microsoft cloud, you make a single hop away from an on-premises deployment, and benefit from new features and technologies, including advanced generative AI technologies that are available in the cloud but not on-premises.Microsofts cloud-based solutions provide a material security step-up for organizations still operating on-premise email, and At-Bay is unequivocal in recommending a move away from on-premise. The security step-up includes Exchange Online Protection (EOP), the cloud-based filtering service that protects organizations against spam, malware, phishing and other email threats. EOP is included in all Microsoft 365 organizations that have Exchange Online mailboxes.Listening to the cyber insurance industry when it comes to such decisions clearly makes sense. As TechRadar points out, one of the biggest influences on the state of ransomware in the relatively short period since it really arrived just over ten years ago has been cyber insurance. Though not always to the benefit of victims, years of policy changes and updated requirements for cover have seen it make organizations much more resilient in the long run.

Business leaders seeking to build or implement GenAI for B2B applications need to understand which of these contextual data types are relevant for their application.

Selecting AI products requires a slightly accelerated approach that organizations can accomplish when AI strategy, governance and trustworthy AI principles are in place.

Kaspersky has disclosed Mercedes-Benz car hacking threat.POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesIts worrying enough that hackers are targeting your account passwords, your iPhone and even your, erm, sex toys. But when they come for your Mercedes-Benz, well, thats a step too far. Heres everything you need to know about the Mercedes-Benz security vulnerability that could give a car hacker access to your vehicle infotainment system.Hacking The Mercedes-Benz Infotainment SystemA newly published report by security researchers from Kaspersky has revealed how they found a total of 13 vulnerabilities in the first-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience infotainment system. The Kaspersky Security Services research revealed how some of these vulnerabilities could be used by hackers, if successfully exploited, to launch denial-of-service attacks, escalate user privileges and potentially steal data. The report also confirmed that hackers could, if they had physical access to the vehicle, unlock paid services and even disable anti-theft protections.A Mercedes-Benz statement said: The topic described by the researchers requires physical access to the vehicle on-site as well as access to the interior of the vehicle. In addition, the head unit has to be removed and opened. Newer versions of the infotainment system are not affected. The statement also confirmed that Mercedes-Benz had been aware of the security issues since August 2022, when a team of external security researchers contacted us regarding the first generation MBUX Mercedes-Benz User Experience.The vulnerabilities have all now been patched.MORE FOR YOUSecurity Professionals Respond To The Mercedes-Benz Hacking Research"The exploitation of Mercedes-Benz user experience systems is a stark reminder of the evolving attack surface presented by connected devices and embedded systems in modern vehicles, Jamie Akhtar, CEO at CyberSmart, said. This incident highlights the increasing convergence of cybersecurity and the automotive industry, where software vulnerabilities can expose both users and manufacturers to significant risks."The recent report about Kaspersky researchers identifying vulnerabilities in the Mercedes-Benz infotainment system highlights the importance of tighter collaboration between researchers, manufacturers, and the wider cybersecurity ecosystem to keep drivers safe, Anna Collard, an evangelist at KnowBe4, said. Although it is wise to remember that no access to critical vehicle functions were made possible by the vulnerabilities that the Kaspersky researchers disclosed, Collard said, the ability to manipulate the infotainment system could still pose safety risks by distracting drivers with unexpected visuals or flashing lights.

When implemented strategically, AI can create more efficient, agile, and resilient supply chains, positioning logistics operators for long-term success.

This Russian drone delivers a cellphone-enabled trail cam to spy on any location.Serhii Flash via TelegramLast week Ukrainian analyst Serhii Flash Beskrestnovan FPV drone carrying a trail camera and mounted on a bamboo frame . Flash, who detailed technical knowledge has won him more than 100,000 followers has been adept at highlighting significant new developments.The trail cam drone looks odd, but this lashed-together combination can sit beside a track and covertly send back video of every vehicle that passes for weeks. Assembled from cheap commercial components, It is the sort of efficient, stealthy spy that U.S. forces used to dream of.Prehistory Of Ground Sensors: Igloo WhiteUnattended ground sensors or UGS date back to the 1960s when the U.S. was trying to stop traffic along the Ho Chi Minh trail, the key supply route for the Viet Cong. 1960s seismic, magnetic and acoustic sensors which were able to detect nearby vehicle movements, but the technology did not exist for a video device. Thousands of sensors, each the size of fencepost, were dropped under the Igloo White program from F-4 Phantoms, CH-3 helicopters and other aircraft.Air-dropped Igloo White sensors used in the Vietnam conflict U.S. Air ForceThe sensors either hung in the canopy or embedded themselves in the ground depending on type. About 80% worked after landing, and had a battery life of up some weeks. The sensors communicated with specially-equipped aircraft circling overhead. Picking up the successive pings as a vehicle passed a series of sensors.MORE FOR YOUThe aircraft passed the data to a 20,000 square foot data center in Thailand with state-of-the-art IBM 360/Model 65 computers, a type also used by NASA. Analysts pinpointed the location, speed and direction of travel of vehicles, and called in airstrikes to hit them.Strike aircraft arrived three to five minutes after contact. The pilot never saw the target; they just flew over the target area and the planes computer automatically dropped bombs over the point that the target was calculated to have reached at its known speed.A major disadvantage of all ground sensors was that none of them were able to view the target or to transmit pinpoint locations to the attacking aircraft up to the moment of weapon release, according to one report. In order to overcome this shortcoming, large numbers of bombs were dropped on every suspected coordinate.Damaged and destroyed trucks on the Ho Chi Minh Trail, many struck as a result of Igloo White ... [+] sensorsBettmann ArchiveIgloo White cost a billion dollars a year and was presented as a triumph of technological warfare. Its actual effectiveness was limited. The program suffered a loss of credibility when the Air Force claimed to have destroyed more trucks than the North Vietnamese possessed. And supplies, including artillery and tanks, were still reaching the Viet Cong.Even with a huge amount of support, the sensors available simply were not able to provide the information needed. Modern military sensors are far more advanced, and now the commercial world is catching up if not overtaking them.The Trail Cam RevolutionConsumer trail cam. The tripod mount gives it elevation to see over grass and otherclutterDavid HamblingModern trail cams started appearing in the 1980s with the advent of motion sensors that could trip a camera shutter. These were film cameras, but provided hunters and researchers a means to see exactly what animals were using a trail and when. They were soon followed by infra-red versions for night sensing. These gave an unprecedented capability to see what wildlife was using a given area.Trail cams with infra-red illumination provide a means to track nocturnal wildlife like this ... [+] hedgehogDavid HamblingDigital cameras were transformative for trail cams, storing thousands of images as well as video clips. Soon they were fitted with WiFi and by 2007 trail cams could send data over the cellphone network. Costs plummeted; for under $200 you can now get a camera that will shoot photographs and video, day and night, and send them direct to you. They are great gadgets for finding out what wildlife is stalking around your back yard.And, just as a cheap camera drone than can see over the hill or around the corner becomes a useful military tool, so is a cellphone-enabled trail cam.Cellphone modems have featured before in Russian drones, notably in some of the recent Shaheds which use Ukrainian SIMS. They are likely used to send back location data so the operators know which drones get through and which approaches are defended; in some cases they may also send back imagery of targets.Consumer trail cams capture better images in daytime but the night capability may be more useful.David HamblingSerhii Flash notes that on the trail cam drone, the antenna was not connected so the unit may not have worked. He also says that the bamboo structure is puzzling; it may have been meant to catch in the trees to the camera could look down from above, or it may be a stand so that the camera can see over grass or other vegetation. Trail cams positioned by hand are often strapped to tree trunks or fenceposts for elevation.While the 1960s sensors required relay aircraft and a computing center, the drone-delivered trail cam uses the existing phone infrastructure. It would be possible to jam all phone signals in the combat zone, phones are essential kit for troops on both sides and this might be impractical. New technology, like the Starlink satellite communications units used by both sides for drones and other system, are rapidly becoming more affordable and would likely replace cellphone connections if these are unavailable.Full image of the Russian trailcam droneSerhii Flash via TelegramRather than giving approximate data like Igloo White, the trail cam gives a picture to accurately identify and locate the target. Game cameras have been used to monitor vehicle traffic, so an unmodified camera would probably be effective off the shelf. They typically work out to twenty meters, but some long-range models are claimed to reach sixty metres . The lenses tend to be wide angle, so they might not catch much detail at this distance. Drone delivery system means the operator can find a track or road and position the sensor accordingly. With smart placement a trail cam could easily monitor all activity.And while the drones battery only lasts a few hours even when inactive, trail cams are designed to operate for weeks. Some have solar cells to operate indefinitely. The model seen here does not appear to have them, but even a day of information on enemy movements would more than justify the low cost of the operation.Trail Cams Go To WarTrail Cams could be used like the sensors in Igloo White, to call down attacks on logistics vehicles by FPV drones. They could also be placed to monitor the effects of drone-dropped mines, so any immobilized vehicles can be destroyed and mined areas refreshed. They can monitor the pattern of activity in enemy positions and note the numbers coming and going and when troop rotations occur.Or it could be used defensively, placed on front of a position to detect the approach of enemy troops trying to infiltrate.Trail cams may be easily spotted and removed though the risk of booby traps can make this challenging but they can quickly be replaced.As with other developments drone-delivered caltrops, and flamethrowing dragon drones which ignite tree lines with thermite the trail cam drone shows how the air mobility provided by drones can be combined with other technology to produce impressive results.If Ukraine is not already using similar or more advanced versions of the same technology, they will soon.

These passwords must be changednow.gettyUpdate, Jan. 21, 2025: This story, originally published Jan. 20, now has further detail on the hacked password list, including an analysis of the five passwords for which a successful compromise attack is considered most likely.Its hard to find anything good to say about passwords, truth be told. You either hate them or you hate them. While the push for a more secure alternative in passkeys is ongoing, most of us are stuck with password protection for most of our accounts right now. Which is a problem, given high-speed brute-force password attacks on Microsoft users, poor router password security issues, 2FA bypass attacks and sign-in-with-Google hacking tactics being exploited. All of this makes using a strong and secure password a must, something people on this recently published list are most certainly not doing. Heres what you need to know and the passwords you need to change right now.Change Your Password Now If Its On This ListSecurity researchers from anyIP, a mobile proxy service, have analyzed the results of research undertaken by NordVPN, which revealed the worst 200 passwords being used across 2024. Although Im not keen on the old-chestnut of this password can be cracked in less than a second hacking speeds when it comes to password security or strength because those measurements are arbitrary at best and dangerously ingenuous at worst, theres no denying that the resulting top ten of most hackable passwords is one any user who cares about their account security should be steering very clear of.The anyIP researchers found that, sadly, all too believably, password was the most used of these intolerably weak and useless passwords. The rest of the list wasnt any more comforting to a veteran cybersecurity professional who has been spreading the word about the importance of secure password usage for three decades. In the No. 2 spot was the keyboard-crawler of qwerty123 followed by qwerty1 and 123456. Being a U.K.-specific list, this included place names and sports teams specific to Britain, but any geographic region would see a similar weak password pattern emerge; just replace those cities and teams with your own.Tip ten most hackable passwords in the U.K.anyIPThese findings highlight the alarming prevalence of predictable and easily hackable passwords, Khaled Bentoumi, co-founder of anyIP, said. Hackers are increasingly using sophisticated tools to breach accounts in seconds, and relying on weak passwords is akin to leaving your front door unlocked. Bentoumi is not wrong; the idea that convenience still trumps security for many users reflects poorly upon the cybersecurity industry for not doing better and on commentators such as myself for not getting the poor security message across more successfully.MORE FOR YOUAnalyzing The Password ListMost Likely To Be HackedThe anyIP researchers analysis used a calculation based on data collected between 2019 and 2024 to determine how many times each password had been used in an attack. They also took an in-depth look at some of the most at risk passwords globally that this methodology uncovered.123456 - This easy to remember, and easier to type, numeric sequence was used a staggering 112 million times. This password is especially prevalent due to its ease of recall, the researchers said, but it can be breached instantly by automated hacking tools, posing a severe security threat. To be honest, I think we should all have reached that conclusion a long time ago, but the numbers dont lie. Literally. 123456789 was used more than 50 million times, and 12345 was found 36.5 million times. Nearly 50% of the most frequently used passwords around the globe this year consist of simple keyboard patterns of letters and numbers, the researchers warned.password - The analysis revealed that password is both common and persistent in usage. In the United States, the researchers said, it holds the position of the third most popular password, while for those in the UK and Australia, it takes the top spot. Apparently, every year, it consistently appears at the top of the lists across various countries despite being so patently weak and easy to hack. Ditto when it comes to qwerty, which is the most common password in Canada, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Finland and Norway.Global list of most frequently used passwordsanyIPWhat Users Need To Do Now To Mitigate Password Hacking RiskAs mentioned, moving to a passkey-based login process is recommended wherever it is available. You can try a simple passkey demo at Passkeys.io and see just how painless they are to use and create. The takeaway from the technology perspective is that passkeys are all but impossible, although nothing is 100% secure, for hackers to guess or intercept. They arent shared during the sign-in process, and the keys are randomly generated to begin with.Theres a clue here to making your passwords more secure: randomly generate them using a password manager to ensure strength, complexity and uniqueness. Never reuse your passwords either, although if its something like password or qwerty123 that would be the least of your problems.

Tourists crowd Trevi Fountain in Rome. Elsewhere in Italy, cities and landmarks like Venice and ... [+] Pompeii tighten their restrictions.gettyEurope remains a dream destination for U.S. travelers, drawing over 20 million Americans in the first 11 months of 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration.Despite this impressive number, North American tourists represent just 7% of all international visitors to the European Union. Intra-European travel dominates at 85%, exerting significant pressure on the region's most iconic destinations.In 2025, European countries continue to prioritize tourist taxes, visitor caps and short-term rental bans as key measures to address overtourism. Still, these actions underscore a united effort to safeguard cultural heritage and support local communities amid rising travel demand.Amsterdam's Sustainability Reset Amid A Milestone AnniversaryCanal tour in Amsterdam, Holland an area which soon will be an emission-free zone. gettyAmsterdam is celebrating its 750th anniversary in 2025 with a packed calendar of events, but the city's bold sustainability initiatives are stealing the spotlight.MORE FOR YOUIn 2024, the Dutch capital already implemented one of Europe's highest tourist tax, levying 12.5% on accommodation costs. Other measures include banning buses over 7.5 tons from the city center, increasing cruise passenger taxes to 14.50 per person and freezing permits for new hotels and bed-and-breakfasts in key districts.Aiming for a greener future, Amsterdam introduced emission-free zones as of January 1, 2025, prohibiting scooters, mopeds and snorkels within urban areas.By April, the city's inland waterways will also transition to emission-free passenger and pleasure boating. While these changes may raise prices in the short term if canal tour operators pass the cost of this transition onto their customers, they align with Amsterdam's long-term sustainability goals.Venice Doubles Down On Tourism RegulationsThousands of people are gathering along the Grand Canal to celebrate the Venetian Carnival, but what ... [+] will the new regulations bring in 2025LightRocket via Getty ImagesVenice is not backing down. After introducing a 5 access tax for day-trippers in 2024, the city is increasing the number of taxed days to 54 in 2025, 19 of which fall on weekends. Visitors who fail to pay the tax at least four days before arrival will face a double fee of 10.The initiativecriticized for not reducing overcrowding but praised for generating 2.2 million in revenuesignals Venice's commitment to balancing tourism with local needs.The city has also tightened regulations for short-term rentals. Hosts can now rent their properties for only 120 days annually unless they meet stricter requirements, such as using labeled garbage bags to track waste and greeting guests personally instead of relying on key boxes. These measures aim to address housing shortages and ensure better management of tourist accommodations.Pompeii Caps Visitors To Manage Millions Of TouristsVisitors at the Pompeii Archaeological Park, near Naples, Italy will now counted towards a daily ... [+] cap.AFP via Getty ImagesPompeii is another Italian landmark stepping up efforts to combat overtourism, prompted partly by the influx of 4 million visitors in 2024.On November 15, 2024, the Pompeii Archaeological Park announced a daily cap of 20,000 visitors, with further restrictions during peak season. From April 1 to October 31, 2025, the Park will limit morning entries to 15,000 and afternoon entries to 5,000.The Park now requires tickets to be purchased online in advance, linked to specific time slots and visitors' names.This strategy mirrors similar efforts at other European heritage sites like the Acropolis Museum in Athens and the Louvre in Paris, which have long implemented visitor caps to protect their cultural and historical integrity.Greece Takes A Multi-Pronged Approach To OvertourismTourists in Mykonos island during the magic hour of the sunset. Will the new measures for cruise ... [+] ships help with overtourism?NurPhoto via Getty ImagesGreece has introduced sweeping measures to address overtourism and climate resilience. Starting in 2025, the Climate Resilience Tax will range from 1.50 for 1-star hotels to 15 for 5-star accommodations during peak season, a significant jump from the 4 cap for 5-star hotels in 2023. Off-season rates will remain lower to encourage year-round tourism.Additionally, Greece will impose a 20 levy on cruise passengers visiting Mykonos and Santorini during peak summer months. Mykonos alone hosted 768 cruise arrivals in 2024, bringing 1.29 million passengers to an island with only 10,000 permanent residents.To ease overcrowding, the Hellenic Port Authority shared a statement from Athanasios Kousathanas-Mega, President of the Port Fund of Mykonos, in which he emphasized the efforts made in 2024 to extend the 2025 cruise season from February to Decemberbeyond the traditional summer months. It aims to distribute the numbers and thus mitigating the pressure on the island.In Athens, a ban on new short-term rental licenses took effect on January 1, 2025, targeting three central districts. The move, announced by Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, aims to address housing shortages and mitigate the strain on local infrastructure. The ban may be extended beyond its initial one-year term.The U.K. Introduces Pre-Arrival Tourist Tax With ETAPassengers queue to check-in at terminal 1 of Heathrow Airport. Will ETA streamline travel in 2025?Getty ImagesThe United Kingdom is modernizing its borders with the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. Starting January 8, 2025, eligible non-European travelers will need an ETA, while eligible Europeans will follow suit on April 2, 2025.The 10 fee, linked digitally to passports, permits multiple entries for up to six months over two years, effectively functioning as a tourist tax. This initiative enhances security while streamlining travel for millions of visitors annually.Complementing the ETA, the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024 empowers local Scottish councils to set tourist tax rates. While none have implemented it yet, the City of Edinburgh Council and the Highland Council have proposed a 5% levy. However, its enforcement remains uncertain for 2025.Meanwhile, Wales is also considering a visitor levy, with a bill under review by the Senedd in 2025.Portugal's Growing Tourism CostsTourists wait in line to enter a tram at Camoes square in Lisbon, Portugal. Will this change since ... [+] the tourist tax will double in 2025?AFP via Getty ImagesPortugal is following suit with higher visitor levies. According to the Portuguese News Agency (LUSA), 40 of Portugal's 308 municipalities now levy a tourist tax.Lisbon doubled its Overnight Tourist Tax to 4 per person for hotel guests as of January 1, 2025, while maintaining its 2 Maritime Arrival Tax for cruise passengers.Meanwhile, Porto also raised its tourist tax to 3 per person.Recent additions include six municipalities in the Azores (Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, Lagoa, Vila Franca do Campo, Povoao and Nordeste) and three in Madeira (Cmara de Lobos, So Vicente and Porto Santo), highlighting the country's growing reliance on these levies to manage tourism and support local development.The Question RemainsOvertourism forces Europe to confront pressing questions like: Can global travel continue to expand without compromising heritage and local quality of life? Will tourist taxes, visitor caps and short-term rental bans be enough to manage the negative side effects of an increasingly crowded world? What else can be done to ensure European hot spots succeed in balancing economic growth with cultural preservation?

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 15: UFC CEO Dana White is seen on stage during the UFC 2024 seasonal ... [+] press conference at MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 15, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesUFC London is official for March 22 at the O2 Arena, as are its strong main and co-main event fights.Dana White and Co. have put together a card that should have the local UFC fans buzzing. The UFC recently announced former champion Leon Edwards return to the Octagon, as he will face Jack Della Maddalena in the main event.LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 15: Leon Edwards of Jamaica poses on the scale during the UFC 296 ... [+] official weigh-in at UFC APEX on December 15, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesEdwards will be making his first appearance since losing his UFC welterweight championship to Belal Muhammad in July 2024 at UFC 304. Edwards comes into the fight ranked No. 1 in the division, and hell have the home crowd at the O2 Arena behind him.Della Maddalena has been out of action even longer than Edwards. The 28-year-old from Australia last fought in March 2024 at UFC 299, where he scored a TKO victory over Gilbert Burns.LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 15: Jack Della Maddalena of Australia battles Bassil Hafez in their ... [+] welterweight fight during the UFC Fight Night at UFC APEX on July 15, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesDella Maddalena comes in ranked No. 4, behind the champion Muhammad, Edwards, No. 2 Kamaru Usman, and No. 3 Shavkat Rakhmonov. A win for Della Maddalena would position him for the next title shot after Muhammad faces Rakhmonov.MORE FOR YOUThat fight was scheduled to happen in December at UFC 310, but Muhammad was forced to withdraw because of injury. Rakhmonov stayed on the card and defeated Ian Machado Garry to solidify his spot in the Top 3 of the welterweight division.It seems possible Usman may ultimately wind up clashing with No. 5 Sean Brady at some point.The co-main event is another fight with potential championship opportunities hanging in the balance. No. 4 Jan Bachowicz returns from a near-two-year absence to face the fast-rising light heavyweight prospect, No. 6 Carlos Ulberg.LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 10: Jan Blachowicz of Poland stands in his corner between rounds ... [+] against Magomed Ankalaev of Russia in their UFC light heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 282 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 10, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCBachowiczs last fight was a split-decision loss to Alex Pereira in March 2023 at UFC 291. Injuries have kept the former champion out of action, but he wants another shot at Pereira. The 41-year-old will have to battle his way past Ulberg to get there.Ulberg is on a seven-fight win streak, having earned a unanimous decision win over Volkan Oezdemir in November 2024. A win by either man could put them on a path to a title shot.ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MAY 11: Carlos Ulberg of New Zealand reacts after his TKO victory over Alonzo ... [+] Menifield in a light heavyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Enterprise Center on May 11, 2024 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesIf Pereira moves up to heavyweight following his March 8 clash with Magomed Ankalaev, the winner of Bachowicz-Ulberg could make a strong case to be the man fighting for the vacant title or as Ankalaevs opponentif he pulls the upset.In any case, the London main and co-main events are especially strong considering UFC London is a Fight Night card and not a pay-per-view.Here is a look at the parts of the card shared by the UFC on social media.Leon Edwards vs. Jack Della Maddalena - Welterweight (170 lbs)Jan Bachowicz vs. Carlos Ulberg - Light Heavyweight (205 lbs)Marcin Tybura vs. Mick Parkin - Heavyweight (265 lbs)Alonzo Menifield vs. Oumar Sy - Light Heavyweight (205 lbs)Shauna Bannon vs. Puja Tomar - Strawweight (115 lbs)Andrey Pulyaev vs. Christian Duncan - Middleweight (185 lbs)Molly McCann vs. Istela Nunes - Strawweight (115 lbs)Nathaniel Wood vs. Morgan Charrire - Featherweight (145 lbs)Caolan Loughran vs. Nathan Fletcher - Bantamweight (135 lbs)Loneer Kavanagh vs. Felipe dos Santos - Flyweight (125 lbs)Jai Herbert vs. Chris Padilla - Lightweight (155 lbs)

How to solve today's Wordle.SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesLooking for Mondays Wordle hints, clues and answer? You can find them here:Its been too cold lately and nothing to show for it. Still no snow! I know this is a drum I perhaps too often beat, but at the risk of aping a broken record I must lament: No snow in a high desert forest is bad news for fire season. The LA fires have me worried. I will distract myself with a Wordle! Lets solve todays . . . .How To Solve Todays WordleThe Hint: Cake!The Clue: This Wordle has a double letter.Okay, spoilers below!...The Answer:Today's WordleCredit: Erik KainWordle AnalysisEvery day I check Wordle Bot to help analyze my guessing game. You can check your Wordles with Wordle Bot right here. Play Puzzles & Games on ForbesI traded places with Wordle Bot today. Yesterday I got it in two and the Bot took four tries. Today, we flip. Somehow the Bot got the Wordle in just two guesses! How? I posted the screenshot instead of my usual shot of my guesses and the words remaining after each because its just insanely lucky. 99 luck! Wild.In any case, my opening guess SPOIL did not do so well, and CRATE only gave me one more yellow box. I went with JUICY next and that finally got me down to just one possible solution: ICING.Competitive Wordle ScoreI get 0 points for guessing in four and -1 for losing to the Bot. Isnt that just the icing on the cake?How To Play Competitive WordleGuessing in 1 is worth 3 points; guessing in 2 is worth 2 points; guessing in 3 is worth 1 point; guessing in 4 is worth 0 points; guessing in 5 is -1 points; guessing in 6 is -2 points and missing the Wordle is -3 points.If you beat your opponent you get 1 point. If you tie, you get 0 points. And if you lose to your opponent, you get -1 point. Add it up to get your score. Keep a daily running score or just play for a new score each day.Fridays are 2XP, meaning you double your pointspositive or negative.You can keep a running tally or just play day-by-day. Enjoy!Todays Wordle EtymologyThe word icing comes from the verb ice, meaning "to cover or coat with ice or something resembling ice." This derives from the Old English s, meaning "ice," which traces back to the Proto-Germanic s and Proto-Indo-European root heyH- (meaning "to freeze" or "ice").In the context of desserts, icing first appeared in English around the 18th century, referring to a sweet glaze or coating for cakes and pastries, resembling ice in its smooth and glossy appearance. The use likely arose from the resemblance of the shiny, translucent surface of early sugar glazes to a layer of ice.Let me know how you fared with your Wordle today on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Also be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on this blog where I write about games, TV shows and movies when Im not writing puzzle guides. Sign up for my newsletter for more reviews and commentary on entertainment and culture.

Large groups of well dressed people walking on the street during the Paris Exposition Universelle of ... [+] 1900 by the Palis de l' Algerie and Palais du Trocadero designed by Gabriel Davioud for the 1878 World?s Fair. The Palais du Trocadero was demolished in 1937 and replaced by 'Le Palais de Chaillot', Paris, France circa 1900. (Photo by The Montifraulo Collection/Getty Images)Getty ImagesIt often seems like theres a general consensus that human content is real content, with AI generated content being a sort of derivative copying what humans do.Notwithstanding the rapid transformation of simple GAN network models to vibrant generative AI, we still want to see humans as being the better creators. But that may not be the case for long, and that consensus may, in some ways, be crumbling.I took a look at this recent X post by Aidan McLaughlin of Mediaite fame, who indicated that hed prefer to have the computers designing buildings.The proliferation of fun, maybe impossible, surprisingly tasteful, and deeply calming AI architecture is so cool to me, McLaughlin writes. AI should commoditize beauty. I think theres a happy chance stuff like this raises my generations standards, and my children grow up with less human slop.Human slop?This contrasts with so many comments talking about how the products of LLMs are only based on the human content they mirror, and how there needs to be human content at the core of training systems. Many analysts have suggested that without the original human content, AI becomes a scavenger of its own products, a recursive rehasher that ultimately provides a watered-down gruel of bloodless stuff.In terms of architecture, the examples in McLaughlins post look good a warm set of living spaces, with hot colors offering a respite from a snowy landscape and everything looks very well put together, but are the AI results better?MORE FOR YOUArchitecture, of course, is one of those realms where quality is pretty subjective, and taste (along with utility) is the primary guide, but theres also McLaughlins characterization of AI designs as maybe impossible, meaning that they havent been vetted completely according to the laws of physics, and that an AI architect is prone to some hallucinations as it designs. As for deeply calming, many people find generative AI products to be alluring, seductive, tranquil, or otherwise attractive, but just as many are sort of nervous when perusing these kinds of images, at least partly because they have concerns about how genAI fits into our world.But then theres McLaughlins suggestion that AI designs are just nicer than those penned by human hands. To be sure, many of us talk about AI visuals as being too flawless, or nice, as a kind of drawback, but what if that ends up being what we prefer?Whats in a Game?For a good example of AI leading the way in design, lets look at the digital spaces that people play in.GenAI has become so good at creating its own game content that weve developed a term for it: procedural content creation where game environments are created with algorithms, instead of manually by humans.The result is endless worlds - in Minecraft, Roblox games or some other kind of digital construct. The Metaverse, it seems, will be largely designed by artificial intelligence creators. Will they have names?The groundwork has already been set: the rise of no-code in platforms like Roblox dates back a couple of years.Earlier this year, Roblox said it was testing a tool that could accelerate the process of building and altering in-game objects by getting AI to write the code, reported Marcus Law in AI Magazine in 2023. The tool lets anyone playing Roblox create items such as buildings, terrain, and avatars; change the appearance and behavior of those things; and give them new interactive properties by typing what they want to achieve in natural language, rather than complex code.These ideas are being implemented in bold new ways.PCG provides technical artists, designers, and programmers with the ability to build fast, iterative tools and content of any complexity, ranging from Asset utilities, such as buildings or biome generation, up to entire worlds, writes a spokesperson at Unreal Engine, describing those assistive processes.How long will it be until AI erases the human in the loop?Tools, Architecture and ArchitectsIn a google search on architect job displacement, a spate of articles promises that AI will not replace architects though many of these writers admit that lower-level tasks will be automated, diminishing workforce demand. Then there are the actual architects, reporting from the trenches, for instance, that they are asked to use something like Midjourney for renderings. Check out the tool itself and what it can do to make words into visuals.Its not hard to find testimony from architects talking about how they use AI, either. A Reddit thread gives particular insights into how the tools are working as assistive support for human developers.All of this illustrates how the technology is quickly revolutionizing this one part of the business world.The Hardware RevolutionAs companies gear up to take advantage of these new capabilities, the hardware industry is turning at a volatile paceIve been writing about the rise of Nvidia and other chip makers, and about TSMCs supply chain realities, and how countries like the U.S. and China are jousting for geopolitical positioning in 2025.Simply put, the capabilities themselves are going to create enormous demand. Whether AI actually designs better than humans is a separate question but the world is going to be observing a change thats unprecedented in all of human history for the first time, there are entities, albeit digital ones, that are in many ways smarter than us. As humans, we were smart enough to take ourselves almost completely out of the food chain. AI entities are even further removed from those biological processes that involve mortality. If they can live forever, how smart can they get?Ill leave you with that question, as all of us continue to react to these kinds of trail-blazing advancements in the new year.

The World Health Organization 2024 report recently urged world leaders to reduce pollution-related diseases and cut carbon emissions, considering that air pollutionparticularly extremely small particles known as PM2.5causes around 7 million deaths yearly. The data hasnt improved since then, although, fortunately, AI tools have vastly improved and offer new possibilities.However, its crucial to recognize the connections between air pollution regulation and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions to prioritize health. Regulating air pollution is one of the most effective ways to save lives, and as an additional benefit, it also limits greenhouse gas emissions.These stronger PM2.5 NAAQS will advance environmental justice by reducing particle pollution, which disproportionately burdens communities of color and other vulnerable communities. According to the regulatory impact analysis of the EPA, on-the-books regulations and available control measures can reduce particle pollution, leading to enormous net public health benefits of as much as $46 billion (in 2032). The WHO guidelines state that annual average concentrations of PM2.5 should not exceed five g/m3. Some remote areas or places with excellent air quality might have levels as low as 1-3 g/mMany sources of air pollution also produce greenhouse gases: coal-fired power plants, road traffic (particularly diesel vehicles), building energy use (including cooking and heating with wood and coal), unsafe waste disposal and open burning, and industry (including fossil fuel-powered heavy machinery and brick kilns). Thus, if we address the sources of air pollution, we will immediately progress in regulating GHG emissions.Regulating Air Pollution And Greenhouse Gases Helps Grow the Economy 30-to-1. Globally, air pollution causes the loss of 1.2 billion work days annually, which could reach 3.8 billion days by 2060, according to the nonprofit Clean Air Fund. The evidence clearly shows that prioritizing clean air is compatible with economic development and can boost it by creating healthier, more productive populations and stimulating technological advancements. According to the EPA, between 1970 and 2019, aggregate emissions of common air pollutants in the U.S. dropped 77%, while the GDP grew 285%.MORE FOR YOUHow AI Tools Can Help Reduce PollutionWe now have the data and AI tools to inform data-driven decision-making based on facts and data, not opinions. Regardless of the heated debate regarding whether humans cause climate change, one reality is undeniable: exposure to air pollution and climate-related stressors, including extreme heat, wildfires, droughts, and tropical cyclones, kills people, causes adverse health effects, and causes disastrous consequences to society and economy,However, thanks to the technological revolution, our ability to access massive amounts of data, and the explosion of human-centered AI, we have the tools to make quick progress on regulating pollution, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, and providing data-driven strategies for climate adaptation in the U.S. and globally.AI algorithms can now emulate and improve climate models, reducing computational time and enhancing the reliability of climate projections. AI tools can even be deployed effectively to estimate exposure to air pollution at a very granular spatial level. We can jointly model exposure to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and policy interventions and pinpoint the most effective regulatory actions that will have the most gains in reducing both while preserving the economy. We can deploy human-centered AI models that will allow us to pinpoint when, where, and how specific individuals and populations will be most affected by climate stressors and inform how to intervene best.How AI Tools Can Increase Air PollutionAll of these approaches will save lives. However, AI plays a complex role in climate change mitigation efforts, with positive and potentially concerning impacts. Considering AI's future outlook, we must assume that while AI offers significant potential to accelerate climate action, there are also valid concerns about its environmental footprint. According to the International Energy Agency, 2022, global data center electricity consumption accounted for 1-1.3% of global final electricity demand. A recent article in the MIT Technology Review mentions a Harvard study which I have co-authored where we reported that since 2018, carbon emissions from data centers in the US have tripled. For the 12 months ending August 2024, data centers were responsible for 105 million metric tons of CO2, accounting for 2.18% of national emissions (for comparison, domestic commercial airlines are responsible for about 131 million metric tons). About 4.59% of all the energy used in the US goes toward data centers, a figure thats doubled since 2018.In summary, while AI offers powerful tools for climate action, its environmental footprint needs careful management. We must measure and monitor the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies and ongoing efforts to improve their energy efficiency and sustainability. There are many potential strategies to limit the carbon footprint of AI (for example, developing and using more efficient AI algorithms or increasing the energy efficiency of data centers by using free air cooling). Still, those approaches are in their infancy, and their effectiveness has not been studied. We must balance the pace of AI penetration in any sector of society with thoughtful consideration of its potentially harmful societal consequences.

Using multiple expert personas in generative AI is relatively easy to do and has sizable payoffs.gettyIn todays column, I showcase a valuable prompting technique that uses multiple expert personas to push generative AI and large language models (LLMs) toward first-class or top-notch answers. The approach is straightforward. You invoke the intrinsic capabilities of AI LLMs to undertake persona simulations, and cleverly combine this facility with a focus on the personas as experts in whatever field of inquiry you are interested in. Various crucial upsides and downsides need to be observed.Lets talk about it.This analysis of an innovative AI breakthrough is part of my ongoing Forbes column coverage on the latest in AI including identifying and explaining various impactful AI complexities (see the link here).Prompt Engineering And PersonasIn a previous posting I explored over fifty prompt engineering techniques and methods, see the link here. Among those myriad approaches was the use of personas, including individual personas and multiple personas, as depicted at the link here, and the much larger scale mega-personas at the link here. Personas are a powerful feature available in LLMs, yet few users seem to be familiar with the circumstances under which they should consider invoking the capability.A persona consists of telling generative AI to pretend to be someone and simulate what that person might know or say. No special setup or elaborate instructions are needed to get this undertaken. I will be providing you in a moment with prompts that show how this is readily performed.A quick example of the value of personas might be helpful here.One of the most popularly invoked personas entails generative AI pretending to be Abraham Lincoln. A teacher might tell a generative AI app such as ChatGPT to simulate the nature of Honest Abe. Students then access the pretense or persona. In an amazing flair, the AI seemingly responds as we assume Lincoln might have responded.MORE FOR YOUOf course, this is based simply on the numerous speeches, written materials, and other collected writings that suggest what he was like. The AI has pattern-matched computationally on those works and mimics what Lincolns tone and remarks might be. Anyone using a generative AI persona needs to keep their wits about them and realize that the conversation or engagement is nothing more than a mimicry or imitation. Though the AI appears to often convincingly fake the nature of the person, it is all still a computational simulation.Generative AI And Subject Matter ExpertiseA clever way to lean into personas consists of telling generative AI to pretend to be an expert in some field of study.Imagine that you are interested in climate science as a specific domain. You could tell generative AI to pretend to be an expert in climate science. Notice that you dont have to name a particular person, such as in the case of naming Abraham Lincoln as the subject of the persona. A persona can be unnamed. If the persona is not based on a known person, youll need to be mindful and state what the persona is supposed to be modeled on.I might tell generative AI to pretend to be a climate science expert. Voila, that alone would be sufficient to get the AI to simulate that specialty persona. One issue to keep in mind is whether the generative AI that you are using has sufficient data and has sufficiently patterned on that data to adequately represent the field of interest. Be cautious since the AI might be quite shallow and yet portray the expertise as though it is in-depth.For whatever kind of expertise you want to base a persona on, a vital question is whether the AI has been data-trained extensively on that topic. Most of the major generative AI apps are broadly trained across a wide swath of the Internet. This tends to make the AI so-called mile-long and an inch deep in terms of expertise.Do not assume that some desired expertise is always at the ready.It is usually wise to ask the AI what level of proficiency it seems to have in whatever topic you are exploring. This doesnt guarantee that the AI will be forthright, and you might get either a bland answer or a false or misleading response. If possible, consider asking direct questions on the topic and have a basis to compare the answers, such as doing online searches or having in-hand materials to corroborate what the AI opines on the topic.Another common means of boosting AI in a field of interest would be to feed or import content on the topic directly into the generative AI. The use of retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and in-context modeling can aid the AI in moving up the ladder in terms of expertise on a specific topic, see my discussion at the link here.Invoking Multiple Expert PersonasWe are now then ready to combine the notion of personas, expertise, and the idea of using multiple instances.If you invoke just one persona, lets say it is an expert in climate science, there is a strong chance that the generative AI will give a particular bent to that persona. It might be that the persona is mainly shaped around the atmospheric and weather facets of climate science. Thats fine, except that you could end up getting responses that are confined to that arena. The persona might skip considering other areas such as the economics of climate science.Aha, this brings us to the notion of invoking multiple expert personas, all at once.You can pretend that a room full of experts is being convened. The instructions to the AI are that multiple expert personas are to be defined and used simultaneously. You can either let the AI choose what those personas will consist of, or you can shape the direction of each persona. This depends on what you are trying to accomplish with the simulation.I will next walk you through some examples to highlight the tradeoffs of how this is accomplished.Getting Underway With Multiple Expert PersonasI went ahead and logged into ChatGPT by OpenAI to come up with an example for you. You might find it of keen interest that ChatGPT garners a whopping 300 million weekly active users. That is a staggering amount of usage.I briefly conducted an additional cursory analysis via other major generative AI apps, such as Anthropic Claude, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Meta Llama, and found their answers to be about the same as that of ChatGPT. Ill focus on ChatGPT but note that the other AI apps generated roughly similar responses.Lets get underway.My entered prompt: I want you to pretend to be multiple experts. I will tell you what field of expertise they have. I will also tell you how many experts there are. Your job will be to then answer my associated questions by pretending to be those experts. Do you understand these instructions?Generative AI response: Yes, the instructions are very clear. I will wait for you to tell me what the field of expertise is, and how many experts there are to be involved. I will then answer your question based on those personas. Let me know when you are ready to proceed.Take a close look at the prompt that I entered.You can see how simple it is to get multiple personas on the table. I laid out for the AI that I want the AI to pretend to be multiple experts and that I will say what the area of expertise is. Furthermore, I clarified that the purpose for doing this is so that I can ask questions of the simulated experts and get (hopefully) suitably informed responses accordingly.That is a handy-dandy templated way to get the matter underway and you are welcome to use that same prompt in your endeavors.Taking The Experts For A Test DriveLets try out the multiple experts by stipulating a field of interest. I went with climate science for this example. In addition, I will pose a pressing question for the experts.My entered prompt: I want you to pretend to be three experts in the field of climate science. My question is this: What is the most pressing issue caused by climate change?Generative AI response: To confirm your request, I will establish three personas that are experts in climate science. I will refer to them as: (1) Dr. Green, an ecologist specializing in biodiversity, (2) Dr. Blue, an atmospheric scientist focusing on weather patterns, and (3) Dr. Brown, an economist studying the impact of climate change on global markets. They are to answer the question from each expert's perspective about what the most pressing issue is caused by climate change. Should I proceed?You can see that I opted to explore the field of climate science.In this case, before I invoked the personas, I had in the past asked numerous questions about climate science and knew that the generative AI had done a semblance of pattern-matching on climate science topics when it was initially data-trained. Im not suggesting that the AI is truly an expert and only mentioning that I did some pre-work to make sure that at least a minimum amount of data was scanned and patterned on in general.Observe what the AI did in response to my request.I had stated that I wanted three expert personas in climate science. Sure enough, the AI echoed to me that it would simulate three instances. I hadnt said what their specific detailed expertise might each be. The AI opted to go with three experts, each having a different subspeciality, consisting of an ecologist, an atmospheric scientist, and an economist.If I didnt want the personas to be on those subtopics, I could easily enter another prompt and tell the AI that the expertise choices should be changed. The AI helpfully opted to give names to the three expert personas (Dr. Green, Dr. Blue, Dr. Brown), making it easier for me to refer to each one specifically (the naming seems reminiscent of the now-classic movie Reservoir Dogs if you know what I mean).Getting An Answer From The Expert PersonasI will go ahead with the three expert personas and let the AI derive an answer to my posed question.Here we go.My entered prompt: Yes, please proceed, but be brief in their respective responses.Generative AI response: According to Dr. Green (ecologist), the most pressing issue caused by climate change is the rapid loss of biodiversity. Dr. Blue (atmospheric scientist) indicates that the most urgent issue is the intensification of extreme weather events. Meanwhile, Dr. Brown (economist) says that the biggest concern is the economic fallout of climate change. Would you like me to expand on any of those views?My entered prompt: Provide more detail by Dr. Brown on the economic ramifications.Generative AI response: Dr. Brown indicates that disruptions to agriculture, increased costs of disaster recovery, and forced migration due to rising sea levels will strain global markets. Developing nations are disproportionately affected, as they often lack the resources to adapt, leading to a widening wealth gap and global instability."I told the AI to be brief in the AI responses.It is up to you whether you want to get short answers or long answers. I usually prefer to start with short responses and then see whether the AI is on target. The problem with getting long answers at the get-go is that if you are paying for the use of AI, you might needlessly be racking up online costly processing cycles. I like to dip my toe in and then decide whether to go expansively.After getting a short answer from each of the three expert personas, as combined into one response, I decided to see what else Dr. Brown, the economist persona, might have to say on the topic. The AI responded accordingly.Big Question About Consolidating ExpertsOne of the toughest aspects of using multiple expert personas entails how to end up with a final answer. The simplest approach involves the AI merely stating what each expert persona had to say. This can be combined into one final response.For example, I asked to see a cohesive final answer.My entered prompt: I want you to combine the three answers into one cohesive final answer.Generative AI response: "The most pressing issue caused by climate change is its multifaceted impact. From an ecological standpoint, the rapid loss of biodiversity due to habitat destruction and shifting climates destabilizes ecosystems that provide essential services like pollination and carbon sequestration (Dr. Green). This ecological imbalance feeds into atmospheric challenges, as these weakened ecosystems struggle to regulate weather and climate, contributing to more frequent and severe extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts (Dr. Blue). Disrupted agricultural systems, soaring disaster recovery costs and forced migration amplify global inequality and strain financial resources, particularly in developing nations that lack the means to adapt effectively (Dr. Brown).The problem is that the presumed cohesive final answer by the AI is still disparate answers that happen to be lumped together.Without anthropomorphizing AI, lets shift gears and consider what happens with human experts. If you get human experts together and ask them to answer a tough question, the odds are they will each have a particular opinion. You wont necessarily get just one answer, unless the question at hand is something that lends itself to solely one answer, such as perhaps a numeric-oriented question that involves doing calculations and arriving at a single value.There is an entire body of literature on how to get human experts to coalesce toward one unified answer on a given topic. You can have them take a vote. They can be given metrics or boundaries that essentially force them into an agreed-upon answer. And so on.The same somewhat applies to the invoking of generative AI multiple expert personas, in the sense that youll need to tell the AI how it is to combine the disparate answers. You can take the route of specifically stipulating what the method should be. An easier approach is to force the AI to decide how to do so.In this case, as shown next, I went with a blending approach of allowing the AI to mix the expert personas responses as though the answer was derived from a single source.My entered prompt: You are still providing three separate recommendations. Try to blend them into one overall unified recommendation.Generative AI response: "The unified recommendation is to prioritize large-scale investments in nature-based solutions, such as reforestation, wetland restoration, and sustainable land management. These efforts address biodiversity loss by protecting habitats and fostering ecosystems that support life, while simultaneously mitigating extreme weather impacts by stabilizing climates and reducing the frequency and intensity of disasters. Additionally, such investments can drive economic growth by creating green jobs, enhancing agricultural productivity, and lowering the long-term costs of climate adaptation and recovery.Dealing With Generative AI MyopiaA disconcerting caveat of using generative AI to simulate multiple expert personas is that the AI is dipping into the same data set and pattern-matched data pool for each of the simulated personas.Heres why that raises the eyebrows. You probably assume that each persona is independent of the other ones. Unfortunately, thats not true. The AI is shaped around a large-scale data structure and is based on large-scale data training, all of which ends up as one gigantic pool. Each persona is a slice of that same pool. The gist is that the personas arent going to be independent, and they are bound to lean in similar directions. Any biases are likely to be carried into each of the personas.You can tell the AI to not allow any such bias to arise, but thats still problematic and you are going to get a likely false or misleading indication that the AI has abided by your request. There are prompting techniques that can help to try and somewhat soften the blow of those biases, see my description at the link here.A more compelling approach involves using more than one generative AI.The chances are that a different generative AI will have a different semblance of the pattern-matching and the data was used during the initial setup. As such, you are potentially going to get somewhat different answers. I say that this is only somewhat because most of the AI makers are nonetheless scanning much of the same parts of the Internet, see how this has led to a shared indication that has some disturbing consequences, per my discussion at the link here.Using Additional Generative AI AppsBased on the noteworthy qualms that my three expert personas are only within the confines of the one generative AI app that I was using, I opted to log into a different generative AI app and ask the same question that I had posed earlier.I then brought that answer into my underway online conversation with Dr. Green, Dr. Blue, and Dr. Brown, cheekily adding the answer as though it came from Dr. Purple.Heres what happened.My entered prompt: I went ahead and asked a different generative AI to provide one expert opinion or persona on the same topic. I will refer to this persona as Dr. Purple. Here is what the AI said: Focus on accelerating the transition to renewable energy systems, such as solar, wind, and geothermal power, while simultaneously phasing out fossil fuels. I want you to now include that fourth opinion and tell me how it impacts the three experts you are simulating.Generative AI response: The approach of Dr. Purple addresses biodiversity loss indirectly by reducing habitat destruction linked to fossil fuel extraction and mitigating carbon emissions that drive climate instability (Dr. Green). It curbs extreme weather events over time (Dr. Blue) by slowing the progression of global warming. Economically, it promotes energy security, reduces long-term energy costs, and creates millions of jobs in the clean energy sector (Dr. Brown). By targeting the root cause of climate changegreenhouse gas emissionsthis recommendation provides a scalable solution with long-term benefits for ecosystems, weather stability, and global economies. This perspective shifts focus to energy systems, providing an actionable and complementary strategy to the previous recommendations.You can see that the generative AI sought to intertwine the answers of all four expert personas.Having Many Experts Has Its Ups And DownsCongratulations, you are now ready to try out the use of multiple expert personas.Id suggest that you pick a topic that you know something about and start with that as your means of experimenting with multiple expert personas. This allows you to readily gauge whether the responses are making sense. It will prepare you for coping with subject areas that you arent familiar with and when opting to involve multiple expert personas.During my classes on prompt engineering, I place the use of multiple expert personas into the advanced portion of the course. The technique is something you wont necessarily use constantly. The aim would typically be when you are examining a topic that youve not previously considered and for which you find useful seeing multiple perspectives. One venue in which this approach especially shines is in an educational setting, such as having multiple experts debate a legal issue such as a portion of the constitution. It is almost like having a crew of legal beagles pontificating on a piece of the law.Ill close this discussion on multiple expert personas with a few enlightening quotes from some experts.Franklin D. Roosevelt famously said this: There are as many opinions as there are experts. This pertains to a comment that I mentioned earlier. Unless the question posed has a singular final answer, the likelihood is that your multiple expert personas are going to provide a multitude of viewpoints and not especially land on a single end-all response. Please keep that in mind.Finally, the great Thomas Jefferson made this illuminating remark: Difference of opinion leads to inquiry and inquiry to the truth. May your use of generative AI entail abundant and probing inquiries, and may those inquiries, in turn, lead to the truth.Thats mindful sage advice in this modern-day era of advanced AI.

Why NSA says disable location tracking on your phone.picture alliance via Getty ImagesDifferent users accept different levels of risk regarding location tracking, but most users have some level of concern, NSA warns. Location data can be extremely valuable and must be protected. The intel agency had personnel compromise in mind when it published its advisory, but the U.S. governments latest warning has something very different in mind. You need to check your location settings now getting this wrong could cost you a significant amount of money.The FTC has found that companies track consumer behaviors to inform surveillance pricing, with a particular focus on location and browser tracking. The Federal Trade Commissions initial findings from its surveillance pricing market study revealed that details like a persons precise location or browser history can be frequently used to target individual consumers with different prices for the same goods and services.Location sharing hit the headlines this month, when hackers released data stolen from Gravy Analytics, exposing sensitive information on millions of American citizens. NSAs advice is to check your phones app permissions and to set privacy settings to ensure apps are not using or sharing location data. If an app needs this data, ensure its only available when using the app. The agency also tells iPhone and Android users to delete or regularly reset their phones advertising ID.That same advice was issued by security analyst Baptiste Robert following the Gravy Analytics breach. He described the leak was a national security threat, with tens of millions of location data points worldwide [covering] sensitive locations like the White House, Kremlin, Vatican, military bases, and more.MORE FOR YOUFTC Surveillance Pricing StudyFTCWhile these are interim findings, they should not be a surprise. The FTC looked into the middlemen hired by retailers that can algorithmically tweak and target their prices. In essence, this means instead of a price or promotion being a static feature of a product, the same product could have a different price or promotion based on a variety of inputs... including their behaviors and preferences, the location, time, and channels by which a consumer buys the product.Clearly, this isnt just location data but thats a hugely valuable part of it. Again this month, we have seen reports that iPhone users are charged more than Android users for certain products and services. And the FTC found higher priced products based on consumers search and purchase activity. As one hypothetical outlined, a consumer who is profiled as a new parent may intentionally be shown higher priced baby thermometers on the first page of their search results.So, three things you can do to make surveillance pricing harder:Take NSAs advice, and disable location sharing on all but critical apps and delete/reset you advertiser ID.Use a privacy-centric browser, Safari is better than Chrome on an iPhone and Firefox is better on Android. If youre using Chrome, consider using incognito mode albeit thats not perfect.Do not give your data away too readily when asked online, consider using Apples Hide My Email and Googles Shielded Email (when it arrives this year) to protect your real address.Once upon a time, says the FTC, individual data collection was restrained by the amount of manual effort it required, and a consumer could just throw away a catalog. In this connected ecosystem powered by algorithms and data collection, every click, every mouse move, and every choice made on the way to every purchase is now catalogued.We have seen some great privacy innovations in recent years, with more transparency and control before. But its not a one-way street. Digital fingerprinting returns next month, courtesy of Googles recent policy change, and tracking cookies remain a threat. But you have the means to check all this on your phone and you can do something about it.As NSA says, while it may not always be possible to completely prevent the exposure of location information, it is possiblethrough careful configuration and useto reduce the amount of location data shared. Awareness of the ways in which such information is available is the first step.

Blue water wave and bubbles to clean drinking watergettyA new study published in the Journal of Health Economics provides compelling evidence that fluoridated community water harmed Americans: Childhood exposure to it reduced high school graduation rates, economic sufficiency, physical ability and health in adulthood. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends water fluoridation, and many states and local governments mandate it.This study is the doctoral dissertation of Dr. Adam Roberts from Texas A&M University, who is now a financial economist at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency within the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Among many data sources, Dr. Roberts obtained natural fluoride levels for most U.S. communities via a Freedom of Information Act request to the CDC.Using a sample of more than twenty million individuals, he compared those exposed to fluoridated water during childhood with those of the same age in the same county who were not exposed. He found robust evidence that, despite its dental benefits, childhood fluoride exposure led to a net negative effect in adulthood, including lower high school graduation rates, reduced economic sufficiency, poorer physical ability and health.This study exemplifies how economists use rigorous analytical tools and comprehensive data to answer complex medical and health questions. Another example comes from Dr. Todd Elder, an economics professor at Michigan State University, who found that children whose birthdays are in the month prior to their states cutoff date for kindergarten eligibility (i.e., youngest in class) were substantially more likely to be diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than those whose birthdays fall in the subsequent month (i.e., oldest in class).Dr. Elder concluded that ADHD is often misdiagnosed due to teachers subjective comparative assessments of children within the same grade. The negative consequences are substantial, including adverse health impacts and financial burdens from ADHD treatments and medications.MORE FOR YOUAnother study by six economists, published in the Quarterly Journal of Economics, used supermarket entry and household moving data to find that personal demand explains 90% of the difference in the consumption of healthy vs. unhealthy food. Therefore, policy efforts aiming to equalize the supply of healthy groceries across neighborhoods are wasteful and ineffective.It is no coincidence that economists have been providing compelling evidence on medical and health issues. As the late economist Edward Lazear wrote in his renowned article, Economic Imperialism:Economics is not only a social science; it is a genuine science. Like the physical sciences, economics uses a methodology that produces refutable implications and tests these implications using solid statistical techniques. The goal of economic theory is to unify thought and to provide a language that can be used to understand a variety of social phenomena. The fact that there have been so many successful efforts in so many different directions attests to the power of economics.Robert Kennedy, Jr., the nominee for President Trumps Secretary for Health and Human Services, pledged to return U.S. health agencies to their tradition of gold-standard, evidence-based science and to provide transparency and access to all the data. If evidence-based decision making is enshrined in broad health-related policies and practices, we may look forward to impactful economic research helping to make America healthier.

EU Commissioner for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen. (Photo by Thierry ... [+] Monasse/Getty Images)Getty ImagesMajor tech firms have agreed to do more to fight hate speech, signing a code of conduct that's been integrated into the EU's Digital Services Act.Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, X Snapchat and YouTube have all agreed to abide by the code of conduct's terms, along with LinkedIn, Microsoft hosted consumer services, Rakuten Viber, Dailymotion and Jeuxvideo.com.The aim is to strengthen the way online platforms deal with content that EU and national laws define as illegal hate speech."Hatred and polarization are threats to EU values and fundamental rights and undermine the stability of our democracies. The internet is amplifying the negative effects of hate speech," said Michael McGrath, commissioner for democracy, justice, the rule of law and consumer protection."I intend to work tirelessly to counter hate speech and hate crime in the EU. We trust this code of conduct will do its part in ensuring a robust response. We stand, altogether, for a Europe united against hatred."Online platforms designated under the DSA already have an annual independent audit, and this will now include compliance with the new code.The terms of the code require the companies to be monitored by a network of Monitoring Reportersnot-for-profit or public entities with expertise on illegal hate speech, check up on how they're reviewing hate speech notices.They're committing to making their best efforts to review at least two thirds of hate speech notices received from Monitoring Reporters within 24 hours. There are also various transparency commitments in terms of how they're cutting the amount of hate speech on their services, including through automatic detection tools.MORE FOR YOUThe firms have agreed to take part in structured cooperation with experts and civil society organizations, aiming to flag trends and developments of hate speech and help stop waves of hate speech from going viral. They'll also cooperate with civil society organizations to raise awareness about illegal hate speech and how users can flag it online."In Europe there is no place for illegal hate, either offline or online. I welcome the stakeholders commitment to a strengthened code of conduct under the Digital Services Act," said Henna Virkkunen, executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy."Cooperation among all parties involved is the way forward to ensure a safe digital space for all."X, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram have all been investigated by the European Commissionand, as of last week, X is now subject to another investigation.The Commission is concerned about X's recommendation systems, and is asking the company to submit more information about its algorithms, along with some commercial APIs that allow direct fact-finding on content moderation and the virality of accounts."Today we are taking further steps to shed light on the compliance of Xs recommender systems with the obligations under the DSA," said Virkkunen. "We are committed to ensuring that every platform operating in the EU respects our legislation, which aims to make the online environment fair, safe, and democratic for all European citizens."

Castlevania NocturneNetflixNetflix has had a run of at least a few somewhat decent shows as of late, with mid-range ratings for American Primeval and the new season of XO Kitty. Squid Game was higher than both, but came in lower than season 1 of that series. But there is a new 100% scored show from critics that is being overlooked by the general audience base.That would be Castlevania Nocturne season 2, the sequel series to the original Castlevania anime, one of the first pieces of media to break the famed all video game adaptations are bad curse, even before Sonic the Hedgehog movies came on the scene (now more recently, Cyberpunk Edgerunners, Arcane, The Last of Us and Fallout).Castlevania Nocturne is a show critics really like. Season 1 had a stellar 96% score, while season 2 now has a perfect 100% score. Castlevania NocturneRotten TomatoesSeason 1 ran into more controversy with fans with a dismal 47% audience score, with complaints about it not being faithful to the series with at least some amount of it went woke comments. But season 2 does not seem to have upset anyone nearly as much, as either those negative viewers tuned out, or it really did make things a lot better to achieve a now-fantastic 93% for season 2.MORE FOR YOUBut unlike Arcane or Cyberpunk Edgerunners, Castlevania Nocturne has not been near the top of Netflixs top 10 list. It debuted below #5 and has already sunk to tenth place. By tomorrow it will likely be off the list entirely.Is Castlevania Nocturne really that good? I did like season 1, but not as much as the original, certainly, despite similar scores. Season 1 of the original Castlevania series got an 83% from critics, which seems too low, but seasons 2, 3 and 4 got a 100%, 95% and 100% respectively. Fewer critics watch these shows than other, non-animated Netflix series, but the ones that do really enjoy it. And for the most part, outside of Nocturne season 1, fans do as well.We dont know yet of Castlevania Nocturne will get a season 3 or not, though the end of season 2 certainly demands one. Id say Netflix usually is a bit more lenient when it comes to animated projects going the distance, as they renew most. High profile ones like Edgerunners and Arcane, but also ones that garner less attention, like the recently-released Tomb Raider which garnered a deserved season 2, despite not landing terribly high on the charts. In short, Nocturne seems like a series worth continuing to invest in.Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram.Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.

Current Climate brings you the latest news about the business of sustainability every Monday. Sign up to get it in your inbox.gettyAsCalifornia contends with the massive costs to clean up and rebuild around Los Angeles after historic fires destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, it and other states are targeting a new funding source to pay for climate change-related damage: Big Oil.Last week the Supreme Court declined to block lawsuits by California, Colorado, New Jersey and other states seeking billions of dollars from Exxon Mobil, Shell, Chevron, ConocoPhillips and BP to pay for carbon pollution thats fueling higher temperatures, drought, fires and more extreme weather conditions. In its suit, California alleged that those companies had known since at least the 1960s that burning fossil fuels they supply causes climate change thats warming the planet but suppressed that information.Oil and gas companies fed us lies and mistruths to further their record-breaking profits at the expense of our environment, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said when the suit was filed in Sept. 2023. Enough is enough.The courts decision cleared the way for an initial lawsuit, Honolulu v Sunoco, and California and other states are set to follow. Its too early to predict if this will result in tens of billions of dollars flowing to states to help repair and harden infrastructure for hotter temperatures and rising sea levels. Oil companies aim to fight the suits and the court battle could go on for years. But if any single industry bears responsibility for climate damage and also has the financial means to do something about it its the worlds top fossil fuel companies.The Big ReadBrightline West, SiemensBrightline Raising $2.5 Billion Of Private Funds For Vegas-To-L.A. Bullet TrainBrightline West, billionaire investor Wes Edens 218-mile rail project to connect Las Vegas to suburban Los Angeles with electric bullet trains, is raising $2.5 billion from private investors with a tax-exempt bond offering as it seeks to launch passenger service by late 2028.The funding push, backed by infrastructure bonds provided by California and Nevada, comes on top of a $3 billion grant Brightline received from the Biden Administration last year. The company marked the start of construction in April 2024 in Las Vegas, though the focus so far is prep work for the Mojave Desert-adjacent railway. Miami-based Brightline, which operates the U.S.s only private passenger railroad in Florida, said in an investor presentation it expects at least $1.4 billion of revenue and 8.6 million passengers by 2031.Full-scale construction should get underway this year, Ben Porritt, the companys senior vice president for corporate affairs, told Forbes. Its to happen simultaneously at four separate construction sites in Nevada and California.Read more hereHot TopicAmazon Jake Oster, Amazons director of sustainability policy, on clean energy pushAmazon was the top clean power purchaser for the fifth year in a row in 2024. What does that look like?Weve now procured or enabled more than 600 renewable energy projects around the world. When you put that together, the total capacity of those projects is roughly 33 gigawatts of new capacity that can generate about the equivalent amount of power to power 8.3 million U.S. homes. Whats a key consideration when youre arranging these large clean energy projects?Where you build these projects matters a lot because when you build renewable energy projects, what you're doing is ideally avoiding emissions from other sources of power generation that are emitting [carbon]. We're focused on not just enabling new projects to meet our decarbonization goals, but we're also focused on having these projects in locations that have a high mix of fossil fuel use. If you look at that portfolio, we've invested in more than 40 utility-scale, large-scale wind and solar projects across countries and locations that we know have high emissionsplaces like Australia, China, Greece, India, Poland, South Africa and here in the U.S. in states like Louisiana and Mississippi. For example, if you look at the projects in the portfolio we have in India, we have nine renewable energy projects in India. And to illustrate why location matters, those projects in India, if hypothetically you took those projects, picked them up and dropped them in Sweden, which has a very decarbonized grid, the carbon emissions avoided would be drastically different. By having those projects in India, we avoid roughly 55 times more carbon than if they were in Sweden. Working across all of Amazon's operations globally, how do you keep up? For example, data center business is a massive part of Amazon's operations and the amount of power needed for it keeps growing.We continue to go out and procure carbon-free energy to meet our business needs and to meet our sustainability goals. Of course, as we are seeing power demands increase as our business grows but also demand for electricity increases as overall society moves towards greater electrification, whether it be for transportation or buildings or other places that need energy, we're seeing increased demand for carbon-free energy. We've been continuing to go out and procure, which is why were the largest corporate purchaser for the fifth year in a row. Were broadening out our efforts to go after not just renewable energy, but carbon-free energy and focusing on carbon-free energy, technologies that include battery storage, offshore wind and of course nuclear power. As you see demand increase, we have not slowed our efforts. What Else Were ReadingPlug Power got a $1.66 billion loan guarantee from the Energy Department to construct large-scale green hydrogen plants aimed at supplying industrial customers and to power non-polluting forklifts. (Forbes)Donald Trump said the U.S. government would no longer subsidize new windmill farms and reiterated his stance that he doesnt want even one built during his administration in his latest tirade against renewable energy. (Forbes)Can we create cows that belch less methane? Food scientists, geneticists, microbiologists and animal scientists are teaming up to answer this question. (Forbes)Compressed-air energy storage, a decades-old technology that can store massive amounts of energy underground, could soon see a modern rebirth in Californias Central Valley owing to a $1.76 billion conditional loan guarantee from the outgoing Biden administration. (Canary Media)Lithium prices are expected to stabilize in 2025 after two years of steep declines as shuttered mines and robust electric vehicle sales in China soak up an oversupply, although the potential for mines to reopen may cap gains, analysts and traders said. (Reuters)Federal reservoirs could help meet the countrys solar energy needs, according to a new study published in Solar Energy. (NREL)More From Forbes

The competition to win in self-driving saw setbacks in 2024, but things were still going strong at CES. CES is not longer really a consumer electronics showeven the classic large consumer electronics vendors like Samsung, LG, Sony and more made their booths mostly about the AI they want to serve (not physically sell) you. Its become a transportation show and the new West Hall and some of the North hall were devoted to that.The Zeekr vehicle decked out with Waymo sensorsBrad TempletonU.S. Automakers were largely absent this time, though a few new Chinese ones made appearances. The most important company in self-driving, Waymo, showed off two versions of their 6th generation hardware, one on the promised Zeekr minivan platform and another on the non-Chinese Ioniq 5 platform meant to replace it due to the 100% tariff put on Chinese import vehicles. Waymo continues to develop for the Zeekr, and some analysis of the law states they will be exempt from the tariffs until they Ioniq is ready. The Zeekr is a taller, more spacious minivan, which may be preferred by customers over a crossover-SUV.Zeekr in face to face seating configurationBrad TempletonZeekr had their own booth, and showed off a version of the vehicle with the front seats reversed to offer face-to-face seating, with the steering wheel blocked. Waymo might offer this configuration in future, it is speculated. Indeed, Waymo can still use the Zeekr after the tariffs in many other countries of the world outside the USA if they allow Chinese made vehicles.Chinese made vehicles have strong advantages for robotaxis, due to low cost, speed of manufacture, an no need for well known nameplates or even high mechanical reliability.Hyundai Ioniq based Waymo 6th generation vehicleBrad TempletonOn the other hand, Korean makers like Hyundai also can made good value vehicles and are well known around the world. The Ioniq should also be popular and produce a good taxi ride at a reasonable price.MORE FOR YOULidars and Imaging RadarsCES has always featured a ton of LIDAR companies, and this year they were back in force, in spite of the diminishing number of self-driving teams to sell to. Indeed, most of them now see initial sales volume coming from regular automakers hoping to make higher quality driver-assist tools and ADAS pilot tools which drive with human supervision, or perhaps so called level 3 cars which drive on highways while a human is able to ignore the road, but must take over before going to city streets or certain complex situations. The volume of robotaxis being made today is much smaller than the LIDAR companies hoped it would be at this point.Israeli LIDAR company Innoviz is in the VW ID Buzz self-driving prototype.Brad TempletonEven so theres a large set of offerings, with Chinese vendors Hesai and Robosense leading in volume. There were long range FMCW 1550nm LIDARs, and lower cost, shorter range units galore. One interesting pitch came from Israeli companies who hope that they might gain a special edge simply be being neither Chinese nor American. The US may resist Chinese LIDAR and China may resist LIDAR from the USA, leaving other countries the only ones able to supply for use globally. Or so they hope.One company not talking LIDAR was one of the worlds biggest automotive suppliers: Bosch. Previously, Bosch had promised they would release a LIDAR that would outperform all others in the market, and presumably sell well considering the strong position of Bosch in the industry. They have dropped this product, according to a spokesperson.There was even more growth in the area of imaging radar. Traditional automotive radars are very low resolution. So low that theyre not useful for detecting static objects like debris on the road or stalled cars. The whole world is static objects. Radar is great at seeing moving objects because it detects speed. Imaging radars get enough resolutionsome claiming below 0.5 degreesthat they can perhaps even replace the LIDAR. Thats good because they can have lower cost, and also because they are immune to fog and other weather. Most teams, though, are not yet seeking to save money by replacing a sensor. They want the very best, even at higher cost, and will work to be cheap later. Some imaging radar suppliers have special hardware, some only provide software. Like almost every booth at CES, the buzzword was AIin this case the use of AI pattern matching techniques to better classify radar targets and even improve resolution on figuring out their location.MayWith Cruise, Argo and Apple gone, and Motional under doubt, the US robotaxi space is now limited to mainly Waymo and Zoox. Zoox was present on the show floor, and giving rides to press, but their planned public launch in Las Vegas for 2024 was delayed. The press rides suggest it should happen in 2025, though, and not just staying in Vegas since San Francisco is also planned.May Mobility self-driving shuttleBrad TempletonThe other player present was May Mobility, which is operating vehicles with no safety driver in limited environments in Ann Arbor, Michigan. May has put focus on shuttles, with more constrained routes with limited stops. That makes the problem easier for a smaller company like May, but means they are not quite ready for robotaxi. May is doing operations with safety drivers in some other cities like Miami, Martinez, Grand Rapids, Arlington, Sun City AZ and Detroit.Also present was MobilEye (who I will cover later) and Helm.AI which announced a partnership with Honda (and thus Nissan.) Helm.AI doesnt have a working self-driving stack at present, but they will be hard at work to help Honda make level 3 cars.The StrangeThis futuristic truck with 6 wheels has a short range human-carrying multirotor in the backBrad TempletonOne Chinese company had a prototype on offer with a big truck with a special payload bay containing a single-person multirotor aircraft with a short range. Owners of this vehicle, costing around $340,000 if and when it ships, will be able to drive to remote locations, and have fun flying around. Mostly for fun and sightseeing, though if you had a hilltop house it could make sense as a quick way for one person to travel to it quickly. The Pivotal (formerly Opener Blackfly) was also on display, and its realthey had actual customers on hand talking about flying experiences. Though they wont say how many they have shipped, but its not a lot.Chinese electric motorhome with massive slide-out for real spaceBrad TempletonThis motorhome was still full of rough edges, but it was all electric and included the most spacious slide-out living room Ive seen in an RV. They had specs, but at this point its not clear how meaningful they are, as its years away. The Pebble electric trailer, which Ive covered previously, was also there, a bit further along, as well as another competing electric trailer, in which the entire top of the trailer lowers down (like a pop-up trailer on steroids) to make it half-height while being towed. The big issue with towing in EVs is that it cuts range in half or more, and thats a real barrier. Reducing the cross section of the trailer is the most effective way to reduce the drag and increase the range. The Lightship trailer is still not ready for production, though they forecast it to start manufacturing in 2025, at a cost similar to the Pebble.There was, of course, much moreyou cant possibly tour all of CES during its 4 days, though the traffic was still down a fair bit from the Covid days. Exhibit hall space, on the other hand, was starting to match the former era, so the show is bouncing back. By far the biggest theme was a claim that products are now AI enabled. Most of the claims were hype, unfortunately, but this wont end any time soon.